Islamabad, 28 Apr, 2025: The First May holiday in Saudi Arabia & UAE is not officially observed as a public holiday in either country.
While May 1st marks International Workers’ Day globally, neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE grants their workers the day off.
In the UAE, although May 1st is acknowledged as International Workers’ Day, the government does not grant a public holiday.
Instead, certain governmental authorities organize appreciation events to acknowledge the contributions of employees, but these do not translate into a nationwide day off for workers.
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Similarly, First May holiday in Saudi Arabia & UAE is not part of Saudi Arabia’s national holiday calendar.
The kingdom does not officially observe May 1st as a public holiday, and there are no large-scale events dedicated to the occasion.
Although both countries celebrate workers in their own ways, the observance of May 1st remains relatively subdued compared to other regions where the day serves as a public holiday and an occasion for broader social and political expression.
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In contrast, the UAE and Saudi Arabia typically commemorate their workers’ contributions through specific, localized events or initiatives rather than giving a day of rest.
