Saudi Arabia Business Holidays
2005
| Date |
Holiday |
| January 1 |
New Year's Day |
| February 25 |
Eid-ul-Adha |
| February 10 |
El am Hejir New Year |
| May 2 |
Prophet's Anniversary |
| September 24 |
Kingdom
Unification/National Day |
| November 3 |
End of Ramadan |
There are two Islamic religious holidays during
which most businesses close for at least three working days and all
Government offices close for a longer period. During these holidays,
it is very difficult to make contacts or transact business.
Business travel to Saudi Arabia during the
holy month of Ramadan is best avoided. During Ramadan devout Muslims
abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. Office hours are
shortened and shifted to the evening, and people may be affected by
the fasting and customary late night social gatherings. During
Ramadan business travelers should not drink, eat, or smoke in public
during daylight or in the presence of fasting Muslims. Hotels offer
special daytime food services for their non-Muslim guests.
Almost all businesses and Government offices
remain open on Saudi national day, with the notable exception of
Saudi Aramco.
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