2026 is here, which means it’s time to fill in your e-commerce marketing calendar. To help you stay ahead, we’ve pulled together the retail holidays, Saudi Arabian holidays, international shopping events and industry gatherings that shape customer demand worldwide.
JANUARY
New Year’s Day - Jan 1st
A fresh start for many – and the ideal time to offer “new beginnings” deals. Think discounts on fitness, travel gear, home-improvement, or anything tied to new-year resolutions.
FEBRUARY
Valentine’s Day – February 14th
The most romantic day of the year (for some!) In early February, many consumers will head online to search for the perfect gift for their other half. What personal touches can your business offer to make their purchase extra special? Gift wrapping and the option to add a personalized note are just a couple of ideas.
Saudi Founding Day - February 22nd
This Saudi Founding Day celebrates the rich heritage and unity of the nation. It is a time for reflection on the Kingdom's history and achievements. Local retailers often showcase special promotions to honor this significant occasion. E-commerce platforms can engage customers with exclusive products that highlight Saudi culture and pride.
MARCH
International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8th
A global celebration of women’s achievements – and a key moment for brands to showcase their values. Consider spotlighting women-owned brands, running empowerment-themed campaigns, or donating a portion of sales to relevant causes.
St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th
A festive favourite filled with all things green! While traditionally rooted in Irish culture, the celebration has become a global moment – especially for themed apparel, party supplies, food and drink, and novelty items. Limited-edition designs and fun, seasonal bundles can help capture the spirit of the day.
Eid-al Fitr – expected late March/early April (dates vary by moon sighting)
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid-al Fitr is a major shopping period across many Muslim-majority markets. Consumers in Saudi Arabia frequently purchase gifts, traditional clothing, home décor, and festive foods for family gatherings. If you sell cross-border, prepare for heightened demand – particularly for fashion, fragrance, and gifting products that resonate with local customs. Culturally relevant promotions can significantly enhance your brand's visibility in this market.
APRIL
Easter – April 5th
A key moment in the spring calendar, Easter drives strong demand for gifts, seasonal décor, confectionery, and family-focused products. It’s also a great opportunity to refresh your storefront with bright, spring-themed visuals and limited-edition bundles. Consider early promotions – many shoppers plan ahead for family celebrations.
Earth Day – April 22nd
Sustainability continues to influence consumer choices, making Earth Day the perfect moment to highlight your brand’s green credentials. Think eco-friendly packaging, carbon-reduced shipping options, or products made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Even small steps can resonate strongly with environmentally conscious shoppers.
MAY
Back-to-Travel Season Begins
If you target Saudi shoppers or operate in Saudi marketplaces, the back-to-travel season presents an opportunity to share your brand story and showcase what makes your business stand out. It’s also a time when many consumers are eager to explore local options, so emphasizing your values can enhance your visibility.
Wedding Season Starts
In Saudi Arabia, the wedding season drives significant demand for flowers, jewellery, beauty products, and home comforts. Shoppers often seek thoughtful gestures, so consider curated gift bundles and the option to include personalized notes. Promotions typically start early; ensure your stock and fulfilment planning are prepared.
JUNE
World Environment Day – June 5th
Sustainability is top of mind for many consumers, making World Environment Day a great opportunity to highlight your brand’s eco-friendly initiatives. Whether it’s recycled materials, greener packaging, or carbon-reduced delivery options, even small improvements can help you connect with environmentally conscious shoppers.
Islamic New Year - June 16th
One of Saudi Arabia’s significant shopping events, the Islamic New Year, generates substantial online traffic and sales, particularly on platforms like Amazon.ae and Noon. Shoppers seek discounts on electronics, fashion, beauty, and home goods. If your business operates in Saudi Arabia, early planning for promotions, inventory, and logistics is crucial to seize the increase in demand.
Father’s Day - June 21st
A key gifting occasion, Father’s Day inspires shoppers to look for thoughtful presents – from grooming kits and tech gadgets to personalised items and hobby-related gifts. Consider curated bundles, limited-edition products, or express shipping options to help last-minute buyers find exactly what they need.
JULY
Esports World Cup Starts - July 6th
A significant event in Saudi Arabia, the Esports World Cup generates high demand for gaming merchandise, tech gadgets, event supplies, and summer gaming essentials. Gamers seek everything from décor and apparel to gaming equipment and snacks. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce limited-edition designs or run a “Gaming Glory”-themed promotion.
Amazon Prime Day – exact dates to be announced
One of the biggest global online shopping events of the year, Amazon Prime Day creates a surge in traffic not only on Amazon itself but across the wider e-commerce landscape. Shoppers expect big discounts, fast delivery, and great value – making it a prime opportunity (pun intended!) for SMEs to cash in. If you sell on Amazon, prepare bundles, lightning deals, and ensure your inventory and fulfilment are ready for high-volume orders. Even if you don’t, consider running your own parallel promotions to capture deal-seeking shoppers.
AUGUST
Summer Festival Season
As summer festivals in Saudi Arabia approach, shoppers seek last-minute travel essentials, outdoor gear, and seasonal attire. This is an ideal time to host end-of-summer clearance events to prepare for the upcoming autumn stock. Consider providing attractive discounts to boost sales.
SEPTEMBER
Saudi National Day - September 23rd
A cherished Saudi holiday, National Day marks the celebration of the Kingdom's unity and heritage. Families engage in festivities and shopping, seeking special offers on clothing, home decor, and electronics. This is an ideal opportunity for businesses to promote sales, create product bundles, or initiate seasonal campaigns that reflect national pride, cultural appreciation, and community spirit.
Mid-Autumn Festival – September 25th (date may vary)
Celebrated across many Asian markets, this Chinese festival emphasizes family gatherings and gift-giving, often with mooncakes, tea, and speciality gifts. It's celebrated primarily by the growing Chinese expatriate and business community. While it is not a traditional Saudi holiday, official public receptions featuring Chinese opera and acrobatics are hosted at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter. If you operate in Saudi Arabia, think about developing culturally relevant product bundles, gift sets, or promotions that appeal to customers observing this occasion. Timely preparation is essential for successful delivery.
OCTOBER
Halloween – October 31st
The spookiest day of the year gives fancy dress, candy and décor businesses their moment to shine. Join in the fun with some themed social media posts – the scarier the better!
NOVEMBER
Diwali – November 8th
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a major shopping season across India and among South Asian communities worldwide. Shoppers purchase gifts, sweets, festive décor, and clothing to celebrate the occasion. For e-commerce businesses in Saudi Arabia, it’s the ideal time to introduce culturally relevant promotions, exclusive products, and gift bundles.
Singles’ Day - November 11
Singles’ Day first emerged in China in the 1990s as a day to celebrate those not in relationship. It has since become one of the biggest shopping days in the world. Millions of consumers in Saudi Arabia head online looking for bargains, and with their fondness for foreign brands, there are many lucrative opportunities for savvy businesses in the region.
Black Friday – November 27th
The previously US-focused sales day has evolved into a global phenomenon. Customers across the world will be heading online ready to spend, spend, spend, so be prepared. And don’t forget Cyber Monday on the 1st of December – a great chance to sell any leftover stock. Stick them both in your retail calendar now!
Riyadh Season
This is the time to celebrate your local business during Riyadh Season! This annual event, which kicks off in October and runs through early May the following year, aims to encourage consumers to support local enterprises and enjoy the vibrant culture of Saudi Arabia.
DECEMBER
Christmas Day Countdown – December 1st onwards
The end of the year marks your final opportunity to make some significant sales. As Santa himself knows, preparation is crucial – there's no such thing as being too early! But don’t neglect the last-minute shoppers either – offering Express/Next-Day shipping will help your business attract these hurried buyers.
Year-End Sales
Saudi Arabian small businesses have their own moment to shine during year-end sales, an excellent chance to promote the advantages of being a smaller enterprise! Share the narrative of your brand, display your distinctive products, and emphasize what sets your offerings apart from larger retailers.
Boxing Day – December 26th
A major post-Christmas sales event in several markets, Boxing Day is perfect for clearing inventory and driving quick wins. Shoppers expect big discounts on electronics, fashion, and home goods, so spotlight “end-of-year” deals and limited-time bundles to capture bargain hunters.
New Year’s Eve – December 31st
The champagne is being poured, people are feeling celebratory … jump in on the spirit by launching an end-of-season sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to shift any leftover Christmas stock ready for a fresh slate in 2027. We wish you a joyful and profitable sales period!
For fast, international shipping, open a DHL Express Saudi Arabia Business Account.
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