Public Holidays in Bahrain in 2026: All You Need to Know
- Almosafer
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a curious first-timer, planning your trip around Bahrain's public holidays in 2026 can be a rewarding experience. From the grandeur of national holidays to the merriment of religious festivals, Bahrain offers you a chance to immerse yourself in its joyous spirit and vibrant festivities.
Bahrain Holiday Calendar 2026
Presenting the Official Bahrain Holiday Calendar for 2026, featuring a comprehensive list of National, Religious, and Public holidays throughout the year.
Date (2026) | Day | Occasion |
1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
20 March | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
21 March | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
22 March | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
1 May | Friday | Labour Day |
27 May | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
28 May | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
29 May | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
16 June | Tuesday | Islamic New Year |
24 June | Wednesday | Ashura |
25 June | Thursday | Ashura Holiday |
25 August | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday |
16 December | Wednesday | National Day |
17 December | Thursday | National Day Holiday |
Key Highlights of Bahrain Holidays 2026
New Year's Day (1st January)
In 2026, New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, making it a perfect start to the year with a long weekend. Bahrain celebrates with spectacular fireworks, especially around Manama and the Bahrain Bay area.
Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha 2026
Eid Al-Fitr: Expected to begin on Friday, 20th March. It’s a vibrant time for family gatherings and enjoying traditional Bahraini hospitality.
Eid Al-Adha: Likely to fall on Wednesday, 27th May. Known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," it is marked by generous banquets and charitable giving across the kingdom.
Islamic New Year & Ashura
Islamic New Year (Muharram): Falling on Tuesday, 16th June, it marks the beginning of the Hijri year 1448.
Ashura: Observed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (24th-25th June), these are significant public holidays in Bahrain marked by solemn communal gatherings and traditional processions.
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Bahrain National Day (16th-17th December)
The National Day is a two-day celebration of the country’s modern identity. In 2026, these fall on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially creating a massive 4 or 5-day break for many. The streets are adorned with red and white lights, and the skies are lit with grand firework displays
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The Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi)
The Prophet's Birthday in Bahrain, also known as Mawlid Al-Nabi, is a public holiday observed on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal, or as most sources speculate
Bahrain National Day
The Bahrain National Day holiday is a two-day holiday. It takes place from December 16th to December 17th, and during this time, the National Day of Bahrain is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour throughout the country.
To learn more about the history of the national day of Bahrain, you can read “Bahrain National Day 2026: The Journey to a Modern Nation”
FAQs: Public Holidays in Bahrain 2026
Q. How many public holidays will there be in Bahrain in 2026?
Bahrain will observe 14 public holidays in 2026, covering national, religious, and secular events.
Q. Are there any long weekends in Bahrain in 2026?
Yes, 2026 is an excellent year for long breaks:
New Year: 3-day weekend (Thursday–Saturday).
Eid al-Fitr: From Friday through the weekend.
Labour Day: Falls on a Friday, creating a 3-day weekend.
National Day: Wednesday and Thursday, connecting directly to the weekend for a 4-day break.
So, why not plan a trip to Bahrain in 2026 with Almosafer? And book the best hotels Bahrain has to offer during your stay.
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