Saudi Central Bank announces 4-year holiday calendar for banks: What you need to know

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The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has released a comprehensive schedule outlining the official holidays and operational hours for financial institutions under its supervision, as well as the Saudi Arabian Riyal Interbank Express System (RTGS). The update spans four years, from 2026 through 2029, and is aimed at ensuring transparency and continuity in financial services.

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SAMA detailed specific closure dates for both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, providing stakeholders across the financial sector ample time to plan, a Saudi Gazette report said.

For Eid Al Fitr, financial institutions will observe closures on the following dates:

• 2026: Tuesday, March 17 – Monday, March 23
• 2027: Sunday, March 7 – Thursday, March 11
• 2028: Sunday, February 27 – Thursday, March 2
• 2029: Monday, February 12 – Sunday, February 18

For Eid al-Adha, closures are scheduled as follows:

• 2026: Sunday, May 24 – Thursday, May 28
• 2027: Sunday, May 16 – Thursday, May 20
• 2028: Wednesday, May 3 – Tuesday, May 9
• 2029: Sunday, April 22 – Thursday, April 26

RTGS to operate on modified Eid schedules

Operations for the RTGS system will also observe holiday-specific adjustments, though on a slightly modified timetable to ensure essential settlement activities continue.

RTGS Eid Al Fitr closures include:

• 2026: Thursday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22
• 2027: Monday, March 8 – Wednesday, March 10
• 2028: Sunday, February 27 – Monday, February 28
• 2029: Tuesday, February 13 – Thursday, February 15

RTGS Eid Al Adha closures are set for:

• 2026: Tuesday, May 26 – Thursday, May 28
• 2027: Sunday, May 16 – Tuesday, May 18
• 2028: Thursday, May 4 – Sunday, May 7
• 2029: Monday, April 23 – Wednesday, April 25

SAMA reaffirmed that National Day (September 23) and Founding Day (February 22) are official public holidays. If either date falls on a Friday, the holiday will shift to Thursday; if it lands on a Saturday, the observance will move to Sunday.

Adjusted Ramadan hours and special Hajj instructions

During the holy month of Ramadan, customer-facing banks will operate from 10:00am to 4:00pm, while remittance centers and payment service providers will function on flexible six-hour shifts between 9:30am and 5:30pm.

RTGS will also follow Ramadan hours from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with clearing houses adhering to system-based schedules.

SAMA has also instructed banks, money exchange centers, and payment providers to keep branches operational during the Hajj period, particularly in Makkah, Madinah, airports, seaports, and border crossings, including weekends, to serve pilgrims and visitors.

Additional branches in high-demand areas must remain open during specified holidays. These locations and their working hours will be publicly announced.

According to SAMA, the detailed schedule reflects its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted financial services while respecting cultural and religious observances. The advance disclosure also provides clarity and stability for the financial ecosystem in the Kingdom.