Bahrain Public Holidays 2025
Bahrain has 10 public holidays and 0 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 5 Jun | Thu | Arafat Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 26 Jun | Thu | Islamic New Year | public |
| 5 Jul | Sat | Day of Ashura | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | public |
| 16 Dec | Tue | National Day | public |
| 17 Dec | Wed | Accession Day | public |
About Bahrain's Holidays
Bahrain’s holidays mix national, public, and religious traditions. Many are set by the government. Religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar so dates move earlier each year. Public life and business hours change on those days.
Major national observances are patriotic celebrations with flags, ceremonies, and time off for government and private workers. Islamic festivals are the most widely observed cultural holidays. They center on family gatherings, special prayers, charity, and communal meals.
Other public days include worker and state holidays that mark civic life. The government announces exact dates, especially for lunar based festivals, so people watch official statements to know when time off will occur.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Bahrain are warm and family focused. People visit relatives, exchange greetings, and wear their best clothes. Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome guests and create a joyful, respectful atmosphere for celebrations.
Food is central to every gathering. Large platters of rice, grilled meats, and sweet pastries are shared. Special drinks and tea are offered to guests. Cooking is often a group activity where recipes are passed down through generations.
Public celebrations include music, traditional dance, and lanterns in some areas. Mosques and community centers host prayers and talks. Markets and shops decorate streets and sell festive goods, making neighborhoods lively and colorful.
Travel Tips
Visiting Bahrain during the holiday season means some government offices, banks, and many shops close or have shorter hours. Malls and tourist sites may stay open but get crowded. Plan banking and official tasks before or after holidays.
Public transport runs but schedules change and taxis can be in high demand. Ferries and flights may be busier around main holiday days. Allow extra time for airport transfers and expect longer waits for rides.
Book hotels, restaurants, and tours early. Carry local cash for small purchases. Check local holiday dates and opening hours before you travel. Dress modestly in public and respect cultural customs to avoid misunderstandings.