When are salaries paid in Saudi Arabia?
According to the Ministry of Finance, government salaries are paid on the 27th of every Gregorian month. If the 27th falls on a Friday, salaries are paid on the Thursday before; if it falls on a Saturday, on the Sunday after. The Ministry sometimes brings the date forward before an Eid — May 2026 salaries were paid on Sunday 24 May, before Eid al-Adha.
Official 2026 paydays
| Month | Payday | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Tuesday 27 January | Usual date |
| February | Thursday 26 February | 27th was a Friday |
| March | Thursday 26 March | 27th was a Friday |
| April | Monday 27 April | Usual date |
| May | Sunday 24 May | Before Eid al-Adha |
| June | Sunday 28 June | 27th was a Saturday |
| July | Monday 27 July | Usual date |
| August | Thursday 27 August | Usual date |
| September | Sunday 27 September | Usual date |
| October | Tuesday 27 October | Usual date |
| November | Thursday 26 November | 27th is a Friday |
| December | Sunday 27 December | Usual date |
The 2027 dates in the countdown above use the same rule until the Ministry publishes its official calendar; we update them as soon as it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the salary arrive?
The Ministry sets the payday only; when the money shows in your account depends on your bank. The countdown runs to the start of payday in Riyadh time.
Does this work for private-sector salaries?
No. Private-sector paydays are set by each employer, usually at the end or start of the month. This countdown is for government salaries under the Ministry of Finance calendar.
Why was I paid on the 26th, not the 27th?
Because the 27th fell on a Friday that month, and the rule moves payday to the Thursday before. If it falls on a Saturday, payday moves to the Sunday after.
What about Citizen Account, social security and pensions?
They have different dates and are not included in this countdown. Check each programme’s official announcements.
Source
- Saudi Ministry of Finance: Salary payment dates for 2026.