Dates of seasons, Eids, school holidays and official data releases over the next twelve months. With each event, what happened the last time: to Umrah performers, pilgrims, hotel occupancy and spending, from GASTAT and the Saudi Central Bank. For example, in Ramadan 1446 AH, Umrah performers rose to about 3.1 times the average of the other months of the year.
Each day shows its Gregorian date and, below it, its Hijri day (Umm al-Qura). Arrow keys move between days; Page Up/Down change the month.
Religious
National
Education
Entertainment
Sport
Exhibitions and culture
Data releases
Salaries
faded: approximate or estimated date
below −10%
−10% to −3%
between −3% and +3%
+3% to +10%
above +10%
hatched: estimate from the event’s effect last time
no colour: no figures and no measured event
Spending heat: each day’s colour is the spending of its week (Sunday–Saturday) in Saudi Arabia ÷ the average of the last 52 weeks SAMA published (SAR 14,150.9 million) − 1.
Weeks SAMA has not published yet are coloured only if they contain an event whose effect we measured before, using its effect last time against nearby normal weeks (a hatched estimate; the larger effect if two events coincide); otherwise they stay uncoloured.
Riyadh Season concerns Riyadh city only, so it is not included. Figures are before adjusting for inflation.
Source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), weekly point-of-sale data; DataPulse calculations. Latest week: 20–26 September 2026 · 9–15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH.
25events until 5 October 2027 (5 Jumada al-Ula 1449 AH)
16days until Opening of Riyadh Season 2026: 21 October 2026 (10 Jumada al-Ula 1448 AH)
19events in the past twelve months, with what happened in them
Coming up: 12 months
October 2026Rabi' al-Akhir – Jumada al-Ula 1448 AH
11October 202630 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AHin 6 days
Data releasesOfficial date
Release: Industrial production
Growth of output in mining, manufacturing, electricity and water. Published monthly.
Recurs: 11 more upcoming dates in the monthly grid above.
Recurs: 3 more upcoming dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 5 July 2026 · 20 Muharram 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 4 releases (usually around day 12 of the release month)
Recurs: 3 more upcoming dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 19 July 2026 · 5 Safar 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 4 releases (usually around day 19 of the release month)
The date was announced by the head of the General Entertainment Authority; the length of the season has not been announced.
Outside spending
Hotel occupancy in Riyadh Region in October and November 2023 (Rabi' al-Awwal – Jumada al-Ula 1445 AH) (Riyadh Season 2023): 79.4%, +15.8 points from August and September before it (63.5%).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(monthly hotel occupancy, Riyadh Region (2023)); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in the first 4 weeks of Riyadh Season 2025 (12 October – 8 November 2025 · 20 Rabi' al-Akhir – 17 Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH): spending in Riyadh city changed −0.9%, against −1.5% for Saudi Arabia in the same weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
No activity changed in this direction
Largest decreases
Bakeries and sweets −8.9%
Food and beverages (groceries and supermarkets) −3.6%
Restaurants and cafés −2.1%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Riyadh city during the event weeks ÷ the average of the four weeks before the opening in Riyadh city (the opening week itself excluded) − 1; from 3 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 12 October – 8 November 2025 · 20 Rabi' al-Akhir – 17 Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Asharq Al-Awsat(published 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The head of the General Entertainment Authority announces the date of Riyadh Season 2026
Change in the cost of building materials, labour and equipment. Published monthly.
Recurs: 11 more upcoming dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 21 September 2026 · 10 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 12 releases (usually around day 21 of the month)
What actually happened in past salary weeks (9 salary weeks between 28 September 2025 – 29 August 2026 · 6 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 – 16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +21.2% on average from nearby normal weeks. Across salary weeks it ranged from +9.0% to +29.6%.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Telecommunications +36.5%
Education +29.1%
Pharmacies and medical supplies +28.7%
Largest decreases
No activity changed in this direction
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of two normal weeks before the salary week and two after it, then the average over the year’s salary weeks (excluding Ramadan and the two Eids) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 9 salary weeks between 28 September 2025 – 29 August 2026 · 6 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 – 16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Recurs: 11 more upcoming dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: Ministry of Finance(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Salary payment dates for 2026
November 2026Jumada al-Ula – Jumada al-Akhirah 1448 AH
16–19November 20266–9 Jumada al-Akhirah 1448 AHin 42 days
Exhibitions and culture
Cityscape Global 2026 (real estate and urban development exhibition)
Riyadh. The largest real estate and urban development exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
We have no monthly figures for the last edition of this event.
Date source: Cityscape Global (organiser)(accessed 30 September 2026 · 19 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Official exhibition website: 16–19 November 2026 · 6–9 Jumada al-Akhirah 1448 AH, Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center (Malham)
20–28November 202610–18 Jumada al-Akhirah 1448 AHin 46 days
Education
Autumn school break 1448 AH
Spending
What actually happened in Autumn school break 1447 AH (23–29 November 2025 · 2–8 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +11.2% from nearby normal weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Hotels +26.4%
Clothing and accessories +24.3%
Recreation +23.7%
Largest decreases
Medical services −4.7%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 23–29 November 2025 · 2–8 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
Jeddah. The first season opener held in Saudi Arabia since 2021/2022.
Outside spending
Reading for the month of the last edition (February 2025 · Sha'ban 1446 AH): hotel occupancy in Makkah Region 55.9%, +4.9 points from the average of the other months of the year. A figure for the whole month; it does not isolate the effect of an event lasting a few days.
Date source: FIA Formula E World Championship(published 23 June 2026 · 8 Muharram 1448 AH) — Season 13 calendar: two night races on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
8–16January 202730 Rajab – 8 Sha'ban 1448 AHin 95 days
Education
Mid-year school break 1448 AH
Spending
What actually happened in Mid-year school break 1447 AH (11–17 January 2026 · 22–28 Rajab 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed −4.0% from nearby normal weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Hotels +20.9%
Personal care +12.1%
Restaurants and cafés +8.1%
Largest decreases
Education −28.3%
Furniture and home supplies −15.1%
Jewellery −11.0%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 24 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 11–17 January 2026 · 22–28 Rajab 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
Expected start of the month; it lasts about 29–30 days. The actual date depends on the sighting of the moon.
Outside spending
Umrah performers in Ramadan 1446 AH (March 2025 · Ramadan – Shawwal 1446 AH): 9.1 million performers, about 3.1 times the average of the other months of 2025 (2.9 million).
Hotel occupancy in the same month: Makkah Region 65.8% (+16.0 points from the average of the other months of the year), and Riyadh Region 36.3% (−22.9 points).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(monthly Umrah performers and hotel occupancy (March 2025 · Ramadan – Shawwal 1446 AH)); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in Ramadan 1447 AH (15 February – 14 March 2026 · 27 Sha'ban – 25 Ramadan 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +8.0% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from +4.2% to +15.4%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Clothing and accessories +90.8%
Freight and delivery +64.9%
Jewellery +28.0%
Largest decreases
Education −60.3%
Restaurants and cafés −23.6%
Books and stationery −14.7%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before Ramadan and 4 after the Eid − 1; from 24 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 15 February – 14 March 2026 · 27 Sha'ban – 25 Ramadan 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Umm al-Qura calendar(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The official calendar; the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon
Falls in Ramadan 1448 AH according to Umm al-Qura; its holiday is 19–22 February 2027 · 12–15 Ramadan 1448 AH (Ministry of Education).
Spending
What actually happened in Founding Day 2025 (16–22 February 2025 · 17–23 Sha'ban 1446 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed less than 0.1% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −12.2% to less than 0.1%.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Furniture and home supplies +24.9%
Hotels +15.7%
Clothing and accessories +14.6%
Largest decreases
Education −30.6%
Jewellery −11.5%
Telecommunications −10.4%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it (Founding Day 2026 fell in Ramadan, so we excluded it) − 1; from 14 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 16–22 February 2025 · 17–23 Sha'ban 1446 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
The actual date depends on the sighting of the moon. School holiday for Eid al-Fitr: 26 February – 13 March 2027 · 19 Ramadan – 5 Shawwal 1448 AH (Ministry of Education).
Spending
What actually happened in Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH (15–28 March 2026 · 26 Ramadan – 9 Shawwal 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed −1.2% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −20.6% to −1.2%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Jewellery +94.8%
Personal care +71.9%
Bakeries and sweets +50.8%
Largest decreases
Medical services −38.5%
Building materials −38.0%
Vehicles and spare parts −27.3%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before Ramadan and 4 after the Eid (the Eid week includes the last days of Ramadan) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 15–28 March 2026 · 26 Ramadan – 9 Shawwal 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Umm al-Qura calendar(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The official calendar; the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon
Reading for the month of the last edition (April 2025 · Shawwal – Dhu al-Qa'dah 1446 AH): hotel occupancy in Makkah Region 45.3%, −7.1 points from the average of the other months of the year. A figure for the whole month; it does not isolate the effect of an event lasting a few days.
15–19May 20279–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AHin 222 days
ReligiousApproximate
Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha 1448 AH
The actual date depends on the sighting of the moon. School holiday for Eid al-Adha: 7–22 May 2027 · 1–16 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH (Ministry of Education).
Outside spending
Pilgrims in Hajj 1447 AH: 1.7 million pilgrims, +2.0% from Hajj 1446 AH (1.7 million).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(Hajj statistics 1446 and 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in Eid al-Adha 1447 AH (24–30 May 2026 · 7–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +3.9% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −35.1% to +3.9%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Bakeries and sweets +72.4%
Personal care +50.8%
Clothing and accessories +50.2%
Largest decreases
Medical services −47.7%
Vehicles and spare parts −44.2%
Building materials −43.1%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 24–30 May 2026 · 7–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Umm al-Qura calendar(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The official calendar; the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon
Hotel occupancy in July and August 2025 (Muharram – Rabi' al-Awwal 1447 AH): Al-Baha Region 55.9% (+29.0 points from the rest of the year), and Asir Region 62.1% (+27.2 points from the rest of the year). By contrast, Makkah Region 43.3% (−10.7 points).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(monthly hotel occupancy by region (2025)); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in Start of the summer school holiday 1447 AH (28 June – 11 July 2026 · 13–26 Muharram 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +16.2% from nearby normal weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Hotels +58.4%
Personal care +35.2%
Telecommunications +30.1%
Largest decreases
Jewellery −11.3%
Education −7.6%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of the 4 school weeks before it (event weeks: the first two weeks of the holiday) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 28 June – 11 July 2026 · 13–26 Muharram 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
What actually happened in the start of school year 1448 AH (16–29 August 2026 · 3–16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +4.5% from nearby normal weeks. In the last two occurrences it ranged from +4.5% to +6.9%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Education +326.7% small base (SAR 250.7 million → SAR 1,069.7 million)
Books and stationery +64.0%
Culture and recreation +10.9%
Largest decreases
Jewellery −20.5%
Hotels −14.5%
Recreation −12.2%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of the four summer weeks before it (event weeks: the return week and the week before it) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 16–29 August 2026 · 3–16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
September 2027Rabi' al-Awwal – Rabi' al-Akhir 1449 AH
23September 202722 Rabi' al-Akhir 1449 AHin 353 days
National
97th National Day
Spending
What actually happened in National Day 2026 (20–26 September 2026 · 9–15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed −8.3% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −8.3% to +7.1%.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Furniture and home supplies +25.7%
Hotels +14.9%
Recreation +9.0%
Largest decreases
Education −85.1%
Books and stationery −24.6%
Professional and business services −14.7%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 20–26 September 2026 · 9–15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — National Day is fixed on 23 September by royal order; its holiday is in the 1447 and 1448 AH school calendars (as published by Argaam)
Recurs: 3 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 30 September 2026 · 19 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 4 releases (usually around day 30 of the release month)
27September 202616 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH
Salaries
Government salaries — September
Spending
What actually happened in past salary weeks (9 salary weeks between 28 September 2025 – 29 August 2026 · 6 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 – 16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +21.2% on average from nearby normal weeks. Across salary weeks it ranged from +9.0% to +29.6%.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Telecommunications +36.5%
Education +29.1%
Pharmacies and medical supplies +28.7%
Largest decreases
No activity changed in this direction
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of two normal weeks before the salary week and two after it, then the average over the year’s salary weeks (excluding Ramadan and the two Eids) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 9 salary weeks between 28 September 2025 – 29 August 2026 · 6 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 – 16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Recurs: 11 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: Ministry of Finance(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Salary payment dates for 2026
23September 202612 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH
National
96th National Day
Spending
What actually happened in National Day 2026 (20–26 September 2026 · 9–15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed −8.3% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −8.3% to +7.1%.
SAMA has not published its week yet; the figures are from National Day 2025.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Furniture and home supplies +25.7%
Hotels +14.9%
Recreation +9.0%
Largest decreases
Education −85.1%
Books and stationery −24.6%
Professional and business services −14.7%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 20–26 September 2026 · 9–15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
23September 202612 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: International trade in goods
Exports, imports and the main trading partners. Published monthly.
Recurs: 11 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 23 September 2026 · 12 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 12 releases (usually around day 25 of the month)
21September 202610 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: Construction costs
Change in the cost of building materials, labour and equipment. Published monthly.
Recurs: 11 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 21 September 2026 · 10 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 12 releases (usually around day 21 of the month)
15September 20264 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: Consumer prices (inflation) and average prices of goods
Change in the prices of what households buy, and the average price of each item. Published monthly.
Latest release
Latest reading (August 2026 · Safar – Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH): annual inflation in Saudi Arabia 1.8%.
Recurs: 11 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 15 September 2026 · 4 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 12 releases (usually around day 14 of the month)
9September 202627 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: Industrial production
Growth of output in mining, manufacturing, electricity and water. Published monthly.
Recurs: 11 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 9 September 2026 · 27 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 12 releases (usually around day 9 of the month)
8September 202626 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: Gross domestic product
The size and growth of the economy, oil and non-oil. Published every quarter.
Recurs: 1 more past date in the monthly grid above.
What actually happened in the start of school year 1448 AH (16–29 August 2026 · 3–16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +4.5% from nearby normal weeks. In the last two occurrences it ranged from +4.5% to +6.9%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Education +326.7% small base (SAR 250.7 million → SAR 1,069.7 million)
Books and stationery +64.0%
Culture and recreation +10.9%
Largest decreases
Jewellery −20.5%
Hotels −14.5%
Recreation −12.2%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of the four summer weeks before it (event weeks: the return week and the week before it) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 16–29 August 2026 · 3–16 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
19July 20265 Safar 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: Real estate price index
Change in residential, commercial and agricultural property prices. Published every quarter.
Latest release
Latest reading (Q2 2026): real estate prices in Saudi Arabia +1.3% from the same quarter last year.
Recurs: 3 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 19 July 2026 · 5 Safar 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 4 releases (usually around day 19 of the release month)
5July 202620 Muharram 1448 AH
Data releases
Release: Tourism establishments (hotels)
Occupancy of hotels and serviced apartments, average nightly rate and length of stay. Published every quarter.
Latest release
Latest month we have (September 2025 · Rabi' al-Awwal – Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 AH): hotel occupancy in Saudi Arabia 47.8%.
Recurs: 3 more past dates in the monthly grid above.
Date source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(last release we recorded 5 July 2026 · 20 Muharram 1448 AH) — Past release dates as we recorded them on the GASTAT website; the next date is estimated from the last 4 releases (usually around day 12 of the release month)
25June 202610 Muharram 1448 AH
Education
Start of the summer school holiday 1447 AH
Outside spending
Hotel occupancy in July and August 2025 (Muharram – Rabi' al-Awwal 1447 AH): Al-Baha Region 55.9% (+29.0 points from the rest of the year), and Asir Region 62.1% (+27.2 points from the rest of the year). By contrast, Makkah Region 43.3% (−10.7 points).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(monthly hotel occupancy by region (2025)); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in Start of the summer school holiday 1447 AH (28 June – 11 July 2026 · 13–26 Muharram 1448 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +16.2% from nearby normal weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Hotels +58.4%
Personal care +35.2%
Telecommunications +30.1%
Largest decreases
Jewellery −11.3%
Education −7.6%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of the 4 school weeks before it (event weeks: the first two weeks of the holiday) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 28 June – 11 July 2026 · 13–26 Muharram 1448 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
27–30May 202610–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH
ReligiousUmm al-Qura
Eid al-Adha 1447 AH
Outside spending
Pilgrims in Hajj 1447 AH: 1.7 million pilgrims, +2.0% from Hajj 1446 AH (1.7 million).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(Hajj statistics 1446 and 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in Eid al-Adha 1447 AH (24–30 May 2026 · 7–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +3.9% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −35.1% to +3.9%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Bakeries and sweets +72.4%
Personal care +50.8%
Clothing and accessories +50.2%
Largest decreases
Medical services −47.7%
Vehicles and spare parts −44.2%
Building materials −43.1%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 24–30 May 2026 · 7–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Umm al-Qura calendar(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The official calendar; the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon
20–22March 20261–3 Shawwal 1447 AH
ReligiousUmm al-Qura
Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH
Spending
What actually happened in Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH (15–28 March 2026 · 26 Ramadan – 9 Shawwal 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed −1.2% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −20.6% to −1.2%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Jewellery +94.8%
Personal care +71.9%
Bakeries and sweets +50.8%
Largest decreases
Medical services −38.5%
Building materials −38.0%
Vehicles and spare parts −27.3%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before Ramadan and 4 after the Eid (the Eid week includes the last days of Ramadan) − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 15–28 March 2026 · 26 Ramadan – 9 Shawwal 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Umm al-Qura calendar(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The official calendar; the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon
22February 20265 Ramadan 1447 AH
National
Founding Day 2026
Spending
What actually happened in Founding Day 2025 (16–22 February 2025 · 17–23 Sha'ban 1446 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed less than 0.1% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from −12.2% to less than 0.1%.
It fell in Ramadan 1447 AH, so its effect cannot be separated; the figures are from Founding Day 2025.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Furniture and home supplies +24.9%
Hotels +15.7%
Clothing and accessories +14.6%
Largest decreases
Education −30.6%
Jewellery −11.5%
Telecommunications −10.4%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it (Founding Day 2026 fell in Ramadan, so we excluded it) − 1; from 14 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 16–22 February 2025 · 17–23 Sha'ban 1446 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
18 Feb – 18March 20261–29 Ramadan 1447 AH
ReligiousUmm al-Qura
Ramadan 1447 AH
Outside spending
Umrah performers in Ramadan 1446 AH (March 2025 · Ramadan – Shawwal 1446 AH): 9.1 million performers, about 3.1 times the average of the other months of 2025 (2.9 million).
Hotel occupancy in the same month: Makkah Region 65.8% (+16.0 points from the average of the other months of the year), and Riyadh Region 36.3% (−22.9 points).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(monthly Umrah performers and hotel occupancy (March 2025 · Ramadan – Shawwal 1446 AH)); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in Ramadan 1447 AH (15 February – 14 March 2026 · 27 Sha'ban – 25 Ramadan 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +8.0% from nearby normal weeks. In the last 3 occurrences it ranged from +4.2% to +15.4%.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Clothing and accessories +90.8%
Freight and delivery +64.9%
Jewellery +28.0%
Largest decreases
Education −60.3%
Restaurants and cafés −23.6%
Books and stationery −14.7%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before Ramadan and 4 after the Eid − 1; from 24 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 15 February – 14 March 2026 · 27 Sha'ban – 25 Ramadan 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Umm al-Qura calendar(accessed 26 September 2026 · 15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH) — The official calendar; the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon
9–17January 202620–28 Rajab 1447 AH
Education
Mid-year school break 1447 AH
Spending
What actually happened in Mid-year school break 1447 AH (11–17 January 2026 · 22–28 Rajab 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed −4.0% from nearby normal weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Hotels +20.9%
Personal care +12.1%
Restaurants and cafés +8.1%
Largest decreases
Education −28.3%
Furniture and home supplies −15.1%
Jewellery −11.0%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 24 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 11–17 January 2026 · 22–28 Rajab 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
What actually happened in Autumn school break 1447 AH (23–29 November 2025 · 2–8 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH): all spending in Saudi Arabia changed +11.2% from nearby normal weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
The event weeks include government salary payments, so part of the change is the salary effect.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
Hotels +26.4%
Clothing and accessories +24.3%
Recreation +23.7%
Largest decreases
Medical services −4.7%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Saudi Arabia during the event weeks ÷ the average of 4 normal weeks before it and 4 after it − 1; from 23 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 23–29 November 2025 · 2–8 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Ministry of Education(published 5 August 2025 · 11 Safar 1447 AH) — School calendar for 1447 and 1448 AH (as published by Argaam)
10October 202518 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 AH
Entertainment
Opening of Riyadh Season 2025
Outside spending
Hotel occupancy in Riyadh Region in October and November 2023 (Rabi' al-Awwal – Jumada al-Ula 1445 AH) (Riyadh Season 2023): 79.4%, +15.8 points from August and September before it (63.5%).
Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)(monthly hotel occupancy, Riyadh Region (2023)); DataPulse calculations. A description of what happened the last time we have figures for; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors.
Spending
What actually happened in the first 4 weeks of Riyadh Season 2025 (12 October – 8 November 2025 · 20 Rabi' al-Akhir – 17 Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH): spending in Riyadh city changed −0.9%, against −1.5% for Saudi Arabia in the same weeks. Measured from one occurrence only.
Most affected activities and how we calculated it
Largest increases
No activity changed in this direction
Largest decreases
Bakeries and sweets −8.9%
Food and beverages (groceries and supermarkets) −3.6%
Restaurants and cafés −2.1%
How we calculated it: average weekly spending of the activity in Riyadh city during the event weeks ÷ the average of the four weeks before the opening in Riyadh city (the opening week itself excluded) − 1; from 3 activities, each with a share of 0.5% or more. A description of what happened; it does not isolate the effect of the event from other factors and does not predict the next occurrence.
Effect source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)(weekly point-of-sale data, 12 October – 8 November 2025 · 20 Rabi' al-Akhir – 17 Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH); DataPulse calculations
Date source: Saudi Press Agency(published 10 October 2025 · 18 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 AH) — Opening of Riyadh Season 2025
How to read this calendar
Dates: Hijri dates follow the official Umm al-Qura calendar (ummulqura.org.sa). Dates of Ramadan and the two Eids are “approximate”: the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon. Salary dates for 2027 are “approximate” until their schedule is published.
Outside spending: Umrah performers, pilgrims and hotel occupancy are from GASTAT, the last time we have figures for (monthly or annual), compared with the other months of the same year.
Data release dates: an “official date” comes from the advance release calendar of Saudi Arabia on the IMF Data Standards Bulletin Board (the next three months, fetched every night, last fetched 5 October 2026 (24 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH)); later dates, or series it does not cover, are “estimated” from the pattern of GASTAT’s latest releases. If fetching fails for 14 days, every date reverts to “estimated”. Salaries and data releases recur, so each has one card here and all its dates in the grid.
Major events: each date comes from the organiser or the official body, with the date we accessed it; dates not yet announced are marked “expected date”. Where available, we add hotel occupancy in the month of the last edition: a figure for the whole month, not the effect of the event.
Spending: average weekly spending in the event weeks compared with the average of nearby normal weeks without Ramadan or an Eid, for each activity in Saudi Arabia. Figures are before adjusting for inflation.
A description, not a prediction: it describes what happened last time and does not predict next time. Overlapping events (a salary inside a holiday, Founding Day inside Ramadan) cannot be separated.
What the data do not measure: cash and online purchases, and the sales of any single shop. The city is where the payment terminal is, not where the buyer lives.
Sources: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) (Umrah performers, pilgrims, tourism establishments, release dates); Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), weekly point-of-sale data, latest week 20–26 September 2026 · 9–15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1448 AH; DataPulse calculations.