Leave and working hours · Saudi Arabia
Annual leave
Also known as: الإجازة السنوية · vacation · paid annual leave
The short answer
Annual leave is a worker’s right under Article 109 of the Saudi Labour Law: at least 21 days on full pay for each year, rising to 30 days after five consecutive years with the employer. It may not be waived or paid out during employment, and unused days are paid when employment ends.
What it means for HR
- The employer sets the dates to suit the work, and leave may be postponed to the next year by agreement.
- Unused days don’t lapse; Article 111 pays them in the final settlement.
- Leave pay is paid in advance, before the leave starts.
Work out the entitlement for any length of service with the Saudi leave calculator.
Official sources
This is general information to help you understand the topic. It is not legal advice. Rules and rates change: always check the official text on the relevant authority’s platform and consult a qualified adviser before acting.
