The Saudi Ministry of Finance announced the payment of salaries for government sector employees for the month of May today, Sunday, May 24, in a move that comes just days before the blessed Eid al-Adha.

This decision means that government employees in all sectors will receive their salaries today — instead of the usual date — coinciding with the approach of the Hajj season and Eid al-Adha 1447 AH.

Why was the payment advanced?

The Ministry of Finance explained that the early payment was due to several reasons:

  • Alignment of the official payment date with the first day of Eid according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, necessitating early payment to avoid delays.
  • Empowering employees to meet Eid needs — family preparations, purchasing sacrifices, and travel essentials.
  • Consideration for the Hajj season — Many employees are pilgrims this year, and salaries were paid early.
  • Reducing financial pressures on families due to increased spending during the Eid season.

Hajj and Eid al-Adha 1447 — Important Dates

According to the official calendar and the announcement of the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent:

  • Standing at Arafat: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — 9 Dhul-Hijjah
  • First day of Eid al-Adha: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 — 10 Dhul-Hijjah
  • Eid al-Adha holiday for the government sector: Begins on Tuesday, May 26 (Standing at Arafat) and continues until Saturday, May 30

Pilgrims are now in Mina after moving from Mecca yesterday, Saturday (8 Dhul-Hijjah), and are preparing to go to the Plain of Arafat on Tuesday for the most important ritual.

💡 Fact: This year, the Kingdom is using the “Nusk Digital Card” to organize the entry of pilgrims into the sacred sites, with expectations of more than 2.3 million pilgrims from within and outside the Kingdom.

The decision received widespread engagement

The Ministry of Finance’s decision received positive feedback from government employees, especially with the approaching Eid and rising seasonal living costs. The early payment of salaries gives employees a better opportunity for financial planning before the Eid holiday.

⚠️ Important Notice: If you are a government employee and have not received your salary today, ensure your bank details are updated via the Ministry of Finance platform, or contact the Human Resources department at your workplace.

Source: Saudi Ministry of Finance — mof.gov.sa