The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has published an extensive calendar that details the official holidays and the operational hours for banks and financial institutions under its jurisdiction, including the workings of the Saudi Arabian Riyal Interbank Express System (RTGS). This schedule covers a four-year period from 2026 to 2029, with the aim of promoting clarity and consistency in financial services.
SAMA has specified the closure dates for both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, allowing stakeholders within the financial sector to prepare accordingly, as reported by local news outlets.
Closure dates for Eid Al Fitr are as follows
- 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
Closure periods for Eid Al Adha are scheduled as
- 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
Modified RTGS Operating Hours During Holidays
The RTGS system will adapt its operating hours during the holiday periods, although the changes will be slightly adjusted to maintain essential settlement functions.
The RTGS closures for Eid Al Fitr are set for
- 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
The closures for the RTGS during Eid Al Adha will be as follows:
- 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 confirms that National Day (September 23) and Founding Day (February 22) are recognized public holidays. If any of these dates fall on a Friday, the holiday will be observed on Thursday; if they fall on a Saturday, the holiday will shift to Sunday.
Adjusted Hours During Ramadan and Special Hajj Guidelines
During the holy month of Ramadan, customer service banking hours will be set from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Remittance centers and payment service providers will operate on flexible shifts, available for six hours between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
The RTGS system will also follow the Ramadan hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while clearing houses will comply with system-specified schedules.
SAMA has directed banks, currency exchange centers, and payment service providers to keep their branches open throughout the Hajj season, particularly in Makkah, Madinah, and at airports, seaports, and border points, including weekends, to accommodate pilgrims and visitors.
Additional branches in high-demand locations will remain operational during selected holidays. Information regarding these branches and their hours will be made public.
This detailed schedule, according to SAMA, is designed to uphold the uninterrupted provision of financial services while honoring cultural and religious practices. The early announcement also aims to enhance stability and predictability within the Kingdom’s financial landscape.