UPI 19 December, 2004 Saudi Arabia has, for the first time, declared a holiday on its national day, which falls on Sept. 23, official sources. The Arab kingdom closes its public schools and government departments only during the two Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, since religious authorities consider other holidays anti-Islamic.

Saudi Arabia normally marks its national day with official celebrations, while employees and students are not entitled to a day off.

But officials say King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz had agreed to grant a day off for all government workers on the Saudi national day, which marks the late King Abdul Aziz al-Saud's unification of the kingdom.

The Arab kingdom closes its public schools and government departments only during the two Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, since religious authorities consider other holidays anti-Islamic.

Saudi Arabia normally marks its national day with official celebrations, while employees and students are not entitled to a day off.

But officials say King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz had agreed to grant a day off for all government workers on the Saudi national day, which marks the late King Abdul Aziz al-Saud's unification of the kingdom.