As we enter the final days of 2025, let’s envision the wonderful destinations we can explore in the upcoming year and look ahead by checking the public holiday schedule for 2026 to plan ahead.
Using the Wego 2026 public holiday calendar, we highlight the ideal times to schedule extended breaks for the upcoming year. Maximizing long weekends and strategically planned leaves opens up opportunities to embark on more trips and uncover new experiences!
New Year’s Day (1 January)
Bahrain will observe a public holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026, to mark the start of the New Year. This day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with various festivities and family gatherings.
You can extend your New Year vacation by taking a day off on Friday, 2 January 2026, giving you a four-day long weekend.
Eid Al-Fitr (20 March – 22 March)
In 2026, Eid Al-Fitr can be expected to begin on 30 March and last until 22 March. This significant Islamic holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Celebrations include special prayers, feasts, and acts of charity. However, these are tentative dates and will be confirmed later based on moon sightings.
To enjoy a long weekend, you can take a leave on Thursday, 19 March 2026. Combined with the regular weekend on Friday and Saturday, this gives you an entire week off starting from Thursday, 19 March to Sunday, 22 March 2026.
Labour Day (1 May)
Labour Day is observed annually on 1 May and is dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers in Bahrain. It is a day for recognizing the importance of labor rights and achievements, with various events and activities organized throughout the country.
For the year 2026, Labour Day falls on a Friday.
Arafat Day & Eid Al-Adha (26 May – 29 May)
Arafat Day, which falls on 26 May 2026, is a significant day in the Islamic calendar. It is the day before Eid Al-Adha and is considered one of the most important days of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims spend this day in prayer and reflection.
Following Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha will begin on 27 May 2026 and last until 29 May 2026. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” this holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is marked by special prayers, the sacrificing of animals, and communal feasts.
The final dates are dependent on the sighting of the moon.
Hijri New Year (17 June)
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, or the first day of the month of Muharram, will be observed on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. This day marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year, a time for reflection and spiritual renewal.
Ashura (24 June)
Ashura, a significant day in the Islamic calendar, is expected to be observed on 24 June 2026 in Bahrain. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on and remember important historical events. The day is marked by various religious observances and ceremonies.
Mawlid (26 August)
Mawlid, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, will be tentatively celebrated on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. This day is marked by religious gatherings, recitations of poetry, and discussions about the life and teachings of the Prophet.
According to the Islamic Lunar calendar, Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is on 12 Rabiʽ al-Awwal, the fourth month of the Islamic calendar. According to the Gregorian Solar calendar, the day varies and depends on the Moon’s sightings.
National Day (16 December)
Bahrain’s National Day is celebrated annually on 16 December. This day commemorates the country’s independence and the accession of its first ruler. National Day is celebrated with grand festivities, including parades, fireworks, and cultural events throughout Bahrain.
For the year 2026, Bahrain will observe public holidays on Wednesday, 16 December and Thursday, 17 December. To transform these midweek breaks into a luxurious five-day weekend, simply take a leave on Sunday, 20 December. This clever move extends your holiday from Tuesday all the way through to the weekend!
