Bahrain Festival and Public Holidays in 2026: Complete Official Calendar
If you’re planning to visit, work, or live in Bahrain in 2026, it’s essential to be aware of the country’s official public holidays and cultural festivals. These dates often impact business hours, school calendars, transportation schedules, and national celebrations. This comprehensive, up-to-date guide lists all verified Bahrain public holidays and festivals for 2026, along with official sources to help you plan confidently.
🇧🇭 Overview of Public Holidays in Bahrain (2026)
Bahrain observes a mix of Islamic (lunar calendar) and national (Gregorian calendar) holidays. Islamic holidays shift approximately 10–12 days earlier each year due to the Hijri calendar. Final dates for lunar-based holidays are officially confirmed by moon-sighting committees close to the event.
🇧🇭 2026 Public Holidays in Bahrain – Official Calendar
Date | Weekday | Public Holiday | Observance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Nationwide public holiday. All government offices, schools, and most private businesses closed. |
Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr | Marks the end of Ramadan (1 Shawwal 1447 AH). Confirmed by moon sighting. Major religious celebration. |
Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Official extension of Eid holidays. Government and private sectors closed. |
Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Final day of Eid al-Fitr public holiday period. |
May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day. Recognized across GCC nations. |
May 3 | Sunday | Labour Day Holiday | Banks & government offices only. Compensatory holiday because May 1 falls on a Friday (weekend). |
May 26 | Tuesday | Arafat Day | Day before Eid al-Adha. Observed by Muslims for prayer and reflection. Banks & government offices closed. |
May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha | Feast of Sacrifice (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH). One of Islam’s holiest days. |
May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Official holiday extension. |
May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Final day of Eid al-Adha public holiday period. |
June 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year | Start of Hijri year 1448. Marks 1 Muharram. Low-key observance; government offices may close or operate half-day. |
June 25 | Thursday | Ashura Holiday | Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). Observed primarily by Shia community. |
June 26 | Friday | Ashura | Main day of mourning and religious processions. Banks & government offices closed. |
June 28 | Sunday | Ashura Holiday | Additional compensatory or extended holiday for government sector. |
Aug 25 | Tuesday | Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) | Celebrates birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH). National holiday. |
Dec 16 | Wednesday | National Day | Celebrates Bahrain’s independence (Dec 16, 1971). Fireworks, concerts, parades nationwide. |
Dec 17 | Thursday | National Day Holiday | Official extension of National Day celebrations. Government offices closed. |
Note: While “December” is listed generically in some internal calendars, Bahrain’s National Day is always observed on December 16, with December 17 as Accession Day—a de facto public holiday. The government typically declares both days as official holidays.
📅 Important Notes on Islamic Holidays
- Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar and shift ~10–12 days earlier each Gregorian year.
- Official dates are confirmed by Bahrain’s Supreme Judiciary Council based on moon sighting, usually 24–48 hours before the expected date.
- The dates above for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Ashura, and Milad-un-Nabi are astronomical projections for 1447–1448 AH and are subject to official confirmation in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Ashura is especially significant in Bahrain due to its Shia-majority population and is marked by large public observances.
🏛️ Sector-Specific Closures
- Government offices: Closed on all public holidays listed.
- Banks: Follow Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) holiday calendar—generally aligned with government holidays, including compensatory days (e.g., May 3 for Labour Day).
- Private sector: Required by law to observe National Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and New Year’s Day. Other holidays may vary by employer.
- Schools & universities: Follow the Ministry of Education calendar—closed during all major holidays.
🎉 Major Cultural & National Events in 2026 (Non-Public Holidays)
While not official holidays, these events draw large crowds:
- Spring of Culture Festival (Feb–Apr 2026)
Organized by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA).
🔗 https://www.springofculture.org - Bahrain International Airshow (Nov 18–20, 2026)
Held biennially at Sakhir Air Base.
🔗 https://www.bahrainairshow.com - Bahrain Grand Prix (F1) – Expected March 28–30, 2026
Though not a public holiday, many businesses observe reduced hours.
🔗 https://www.bahraingp.com
🔗 Verified Official Sources
- Bahrain Government Public Holidays Portal
https://www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/en/public-holidays - Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) – Moon Sighting & Religious Holidays
https://www.awqaf.gov.bh - Ministry of Labour – Labour Day & Employment Regulations
https://www.labor.gov.bh - National Day Bahrain
https://nationalday.gov.bh - Central Bank of Bahrain (Bank Holidays)
https://www.cbb.gov.bh - Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Festivals)
https://www.baca.bh
✅ Planning Tips for 2026
- Eid holidays often extend beyond the official dates due to weekend alignment (Bahrain’s weekend is Friday–Saturday).
- Book flights and hotels early for Eid and National Day—these are peak travel periods.
- Check official announcements in December 2025 for final confirmation of Islamic holiday dates.
- Foreign residents: Ensure your visa/entry permits are valid, as immigration services pause during long holidays.
Disclaimer: Dates for Islamic holidays (Eid, Ashura, Milad-un-Nabi, Islamic New Year) are based on astronomical projections for 1447–1448 AH. Final confirmation will be issued by Bahrain’s Supreme Judiciary Council and Awqaf Authority upon moon sighting.
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