Leave is a basic right the Saudi Labor Law guarantees to every establishment worker; its length and pay depend on the type. This is a practical summary of what the Knowledge Center of the Qiwa platform sets out.

Public holidays on full pay: Eid al-Fitr, 4 days starting the day after 29 Ramadan according to the Umm al-Qura calendar; Eid al-Adha, 4 days starting on the Day of Arafah; National Day, 1 day on the first day of the sign of Libra (Al-Mizan) according to the Umm al-Qura calendar; and Founding Day, 1 day on 22 February. Failing to grant Eid al-Fitr leave exposes an establishment to a fine of SAR 5,000 for each employee not given it (Article 50 of the violations schedule).

If holidays overlap with: the weekly rest day, the worker gets equivalent days before or after; annual leave, the annual leave is extended by the number of holiday days; sick leave, the worker receives full pay for those holiday days. If National Day or Founding Day falls within an Eid holiday, no compensation is given for that day.

Annual leave: at least 21 days per year, rising to at least 30 days once the worker has completed five continuous years with the employer. It is paid in advance, and the transport allowance may not be deducted from it.

The worker must take the leave in the year it is due and may not give it up or take cash instead during employment. The employer may set the dates according to work needs, but must notify the worker at least 30 days in advance (Article 109). A worker who leaves before using their leave is paid for it, and is also paid leave pro rata for part-years worked (Article 111). Annual travel tickets, or cash instead, depend on the agreement between the parties and the employer's regulations.

Unpaid leave: may be taken with the employer's agreement. If it exceeds 20 days, the contract is considered suspended unless the parties agree otherwise. During any leave, the worker may not work for another employer.

Sick leave: a worker whose illness is proven receives full pay for the first 30 days, three-quarters pay for the next 60 days and no pay for the following 30 days, within one year starting from the date of the first sick leave, whether the days are continuous or separate.

Special leave on full pay: 5 days for the worker's marriage; 3 days for the birth of a child; and 5 days on the death of a spouse, an ascendant (parents and grandparents) or a descendant (sons, daughters and their children), under Article 113. A working woman whose husband dies has a separate iddah leave (Article 160). The employer may ask for supporting documents.

What to do: request leave in writing, keep medical reports and supporting documents, and check your leave balance and conditions in your contract and on the Qiwa platform.

This information is based on the Saudi Labor Law and the Knowledge Center of the Qiwa platform; for the official text and any updates, please check the platform.