Bahrain Holidays 2026
Public, National & Eid Holidays
Bahrain Holidays 2026
Public, National & Eid Holidays
If the official dates change due to moon sighting confirmations or government announcements, we’ll update this section promptly.
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Whether you’re searching for the Bahrain public holidays 2026, Eid holidays in Bahrain, Bahrain National Day holidays, or quick answers like “is today a holiday in Bahrain?” or “next public holiday in Bahrain”, this page provides a complete, up-to-date holiday list in one place.
All dates are aligned with official Bahrain government announcements, with Islamic holidays subject to moon sighting confirmations. Bookmark this page to stay informed about upcoming holidays in Bahrain 2026 and any last-minute updates.
List of Bahrain public and national holidays 2026
Bahrain’s holiday calendar reflects a combination of national milestones and key Islamic religious observances celebrated across the country. In 2026, the public holiday schedule includes several important occasions that shape work schedules, travel plans, and business activity.
Major holidays observed in Bahrain include:
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the most widely observed Islamic holidays
- Ashura, observed over two days in Muharram
- Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s (saws) Birthday (Mawlid)
- National Day and Accession Day, marking important moments in Bahrain’s history
The table below provides the complete list of Bahrain public and national holidays in 2026, including their dates and holiday types.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Public Holiday |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid Al Fitr (Start)* | Religious Holiday |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid Al Fitr Holiday (Day 2)* | Religious Holiday |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid Al Fitr Holiday (Day 3)* | Religious Holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafat Day (Waqfat)* | Religious Holiday |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid Al Adha (Start)* | Religious Holiday |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid Al Adha Holiday (Day 2)* | Religious Holiday |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid Al Adha Holiday (Day 3)* | Religious Holiday |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448)* | Religious Holiday |
| Jun 25 | Thursday | Ashura (9th Muharram)* | Religious Holiday |
| Jun 26 | Friday | Ashura (10th Muharram)* | Religious Holiday |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid)* | Religious Holiday |
| Dec 16 | Wednesday | National Day | National Holiday |
| Dec 17 | Thursday | Accession Day | National Holiday |
History & background of Bahrain public holidays
Bahrain’s public holidays reflect the country’s constitutional history, national milestones, and Islamic heritage. National Day (16 December) commemorates Bahrain’s independence in 1971, while Accession Day (17 December) marks the accession of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the throne. These two days are observed consecutively and form Bahrain’s primary national holiday period.
Alongside national observances, Bahrain’s holiday calendar includes several Islamic religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Ashura, and Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid). These holidays play a key role in shaping annual work schedules, public observance, and business planning across the country.
New Year’s Day – January 1
New Year’s Day is observed as a one-day public holiday in Bahrain, marking the start of the calendar year. While not tied to local tradition, it is recognised nationwide and commonly observed across government offices, private organisations, and educational institutions.
Eid Holidays in Bahrain 2026
Eid holidays are among the most widely observed public holidays in Bahrain, with significant cultural and religious importance. These holidays often result in reduced business activity and extended closures, making them key periods for leave and workforce planning.
Eid al-Fitr Holidays
March 20–22, 2026
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting (Ramadan is the 9th month of the lunar calendar). In Bahrain, Eid al-Fitr is observed as a three-day public holiday, celebrated with family gatherings, charitable giving, and nationwide observance across sectors.
Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha Holidays
Arafat Day: May 26, 2026
Eid al-Adha: May 27–29, 2026
Arafat Day precedes Eid al-Adha, one of the most important Islamic festivals. Eid al-Adha commemorates the values of sacrifice and devotion and is observed in Bahrain as a three-day public holiday, following Arafat Day. This period often has a noticeable impact on work schedules and business operations.
Labour Day – May 1
Labour Day, observed on May 1, recognises the contributions of workers and labour movements. It is observed as a public holiday in Bahrain and is commonly marked by closures across government offices and many private sector organisations.
Islamic New Year – June 16
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Hijri calendar. It is observed as a religious public holiday in Bahrain and generally involves reduced working hours or closures across institutions.
Ashura – June 25 & 26
Ashura is observed over two days in Bahrain, marking the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The occasion holds deep religious significance, particularly within the Shia Muslim community.
Prophet Muhammad’s (saws) Birthday (Mawlid) – August 25
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) is observed as a religious public holiday in Bahrain. The day holds cultural and spiritual importance for Muslims and is marked through religious gatherings, sermons, and community observances across the country.
Bahrain National Day – December 16
Bahrain National Day, observed on December 16, commemorates Bahrain’s independence in 1971. It is one of the most important national holidays in the country and is marked by official ceremonies, public celebrations, and nationwide observance.
Accession Day – December 17
Accession Day, observed on December 17, marks the accession of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (the day His Majesty assumed the throne of Bahrain). Observed immediately after National Day, it forms a two-day national holiday period, making mid-December a significant break in Bahrain’s public holiday calendar.
Bahrain holidays for private sector employees
In Bahrain, official public holidays generally apply to private sector employees as well. Private organisations typically align their holiday calendars with the Bahrain government’s official holiday announcements, though working arrangements may vary based on business requirements and internal policies.
Employees working in essential services or shift-based roles may follow alternate schedules, with leave or compensatory arrangements defined by their organisation.
Bank & financial sector holidays in Bahrain
Bank and financial sector holidays in Bahrain usually align with the official public holiday calendar. However, banks may announce separate operating guidelines, especially during extended Eid holidays or consecutive national holidays.
While bank branches may close on public holidays, digital banking services generally continue, and customers are advised to check individual bank notifications for branch-level timings and service availability.
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FAQs on Bahrain Holidays in 2026
How many public holidays are there in Bahrain in 2026?
Bahrain has 15 public holiday days in 2026, including national holidays, religious holidays, and Eid holidays.
Do Bahrain public holidays apply to private sector employees?
Yes. Official public holidays announced in Bahrain generally apply to both public and private sector employees, unless stated otherwise.
What are the national holidays in Bahrain?
Bahrain’s national holidays are National Day (16 December) and Accession Day (17 December), which are observed consecutively each year.
What are the major Eid holidays in Bahrain?
The major Eid holidays observed in Bahrain are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, both of which are observed as multi-day public holidays.
Is Ashura a public holiday in Bahrain?
Yes. Ashura is observed as a two-day religious public holiday in Bahrain.
Are banks closed during public holidays in Bahrain?
Banks in Bahrain generally observe official public holidays, though branch-level operations and service hours may vary, particularly during extended Eid or national holiday periods
How do public holidays affect payroll processing in Bahrain?
Public holidays and bank closures can affect salary processing timelines and payroll cut-off dates, which is why payroll teams typically plan processing cycles in advance.