Saudi announces National Day holiday

Saudi Arabia’s ministry of Civil Service has announced a four-day holiday to celebrate its 89th Saudi National Day this year, local daily Saudi Gazette reported.

Since National Day falls on Monday, September 23, the ministry said that Sunday, September 22 will also be observed as a holiday.

Hence public sector workers in the kingdom will have a long weekend from Friday, September 20 until Monday, September 23. Work will resume on Tuesday, September 24.

Meanwhile, the ministry of Labour and Social Development announced that private sector workers will have a day off on September 23, the report stated.

National day celebrations are held every year to commemorate the formation of the kingdom in 1932 by King Abdulaziz following a series of victories over neighbouring tribes.

Celebrations include folklore dances, songs and traditional festivals.