Planning your schedule around the Bahrain calendar is the smartest way to manage your time in the Kingdom. Whether you work in a high-rise in Manama or plan to visit for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, knowing the dates matters. Bahrain has a unique mix of fixed dates and lunar-based Islamic holidays. This means some days off are set in stone, while others depend on the moon. We have put together this guide to help you track Bahrain holidays, school terms, and major events for 2026.
Our teamanalysedd existing resources to find what is missing for you. Most sites just list dates without context. We provide the “why” and “how” for each major break. This ensures you can plan your flights, office rotations, and family trips without last-minute surprises.
The Bahrain Official Calendar: Public Holidays 2026
The Bahrain official calendar for 2026 features several long weekends. Understanding these breaks helps HR managers calculate payroll and tourists find the best travel windows. Under Bahraini law, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, the government usually grants a day in lieu.
Fixed Public Holidays
These dates do not change year to year.
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Thursday)
- Labour Day: May 1 (Friday)
- National Day: December 16–17 (Wednesday and Thursday)
Islamic Holidays (Subject to Moon Sighting)
These Bahrain public holidays move forward by about 10 to 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
- Ramadan Start: Expected February 18. This is not a public holiday, but working hours are usually reduced.
- Eid Al Fitr: Expected March 20–22. This three-day break marks the end of fasting.
- Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha: Expected May 26–29. This is the longest break of the year.
- Islamic New Year (1448 Hijri): Expected June 16.
- Ashura: Expected June 24–25.
- Prophet’s Birthday: Expected August 25.
Strategic Planning for Residents and Expats
Living in Bahrain requires a bit of foresight. If you are an expat, you likely want to maximise your 30 days of annual leave. By linking your leave with Bahrain holidays, you can turn a three-day weekend into a nine-day vacation.
For 2026, the Bahrain calendar offers a massive opportunity in May. With Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha falling mid-week, taking a few days of leave can give you a very long break. We suggest booking your flights at least four months in advance for these periods. Prices at Bahrain International Airport tend to spike as soon as the moon sighting is confirmed.
If you want to explore more local happenings, check out our Bahrain events full guide for a deeper look at cultural festivals.
Academic Calendar: School Terms 2025–2026
Parents and teachers need more than just a holiday list. The Ministry of Education (MoE) sets the pace for the school year. For the 2025–2026 cycle, here are the key dates you need for your Bahrain calendar.
- Mid-School Year Holiday: Starts January 18, 2026.
- Classes Resume: February 1, 2026.
- End of Academic Year: May 25, 2026 (for most public schools).
- Summer Break: Begins late May or early June 2026.
Private schools, such as the British School of Bahrain or St. Christopher’s, may have slightly different mid-term breaks. Always verify with your specific institution, but the MoE dates serve as the general framework for the country.
HR Manager’s Corner: Labour Law and Holidays
If you manage a team, the Bahrain calendar is a legal roadmap. According to the Bahrain Labour Law for the Private Sector, employees are entitled to full pay during official holidays.
Working on Holidays
Sometimes, business needs mean your team must work. If an employee works on a public holiday, you must pay them their normal wage plus an additional 50% or provide a compensatory day off. We recommend keeping a clear log of these days to avoid disputes during the end-of-service calculation.
Payroll Impact
Many companies in Bahrain process payroll by the 25th of each month. In months like March and May 2026, when major Eids occur, we suggest processing payroll earlier. This ensures your staff have their funds before the holiday shopping begins.
Major Events and Festivals in 2026
Bahrain is becoming a hub for tourism and sports. Your Bahrain calendar isn’t complete without these high-traffic dates.
Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
The 2026 race is scheduled for April 10–12. This is the busiest weekend for the Kingdom. Hotels in Seef and Juffair often reach 100% occupancy. If you are a tourist, buy your tickets early to see the race under the floodlights at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Autumn Fair 2026
Usually held in late January at the Exhibition World Bahrain, this is the largest shopping event. It is a great place to find international products and local crafts. We suggest visiting on weekdays to avoid the heavy weekend crowds.
Bahrain Food Festival
Expected in February or March, this event showcases the culinary diversity of the island. It often coincides with cooler weather, making it perfect for outdoor dining at Bahrain Bay.
Tourists: When to Visit Bahrain
The best time to visit, based on the Bahrain calendar, is between November and March. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
During Ramadan (starting mid-February 2026), the vibe of the country changes. While many restaurants close during daylight hours, the “Ghabga” tents at night offer a rich cultural experience. It is a peaceful time to visit if you want to see the spiritual side of the Kingdom.
Pro Tip: If you visit during Eid, be prepared for “family-only” days at major malls. Many parks and entertainment centres also get very crowded.
Summary of the 2026 Bahrain Calendar
To make things easy, here is a quick look at the year ahead. We have checked these dates against official sources like the Central Bank of Bahrain.
| Month | Date | Event Type |
| January | 1 | New Year’s Day |
| February | 18 | Ramadan Starts (Estimated) |
| March | 20-22 | Eid Al Fitr (Estimated) |
| April | 10-12 | Bahrain Grand Prix |
| May | 1 | Labour Day |
| May | 26-29 | Eid Al Adha (Estimated) |
| June | 16 | Islamic New Year |
| June | 24-25 | Ashura |
| August | 25 | Prophet’s Birthday |
| December | 16-17 | National Day |
Conclusion
Staying on top of the Bahrain calendar is the only way to avoid stress in 2026. Whether you are tracking Bahrain holidays for business or leisure, this guide provides the clarity you need. We suggest bookmarking this page because we will update it as soon as the moon sightings are officially announced by the authorities. Planning early gives you the best chance to enjoy the Kingdom’s vibrant culture and steady growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunday a working day in Bahrain?
Yes, the standard work week in Bahrain is Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the official weekend days for the public sector and most private companies.
How many public holidays does Bahrain have?
Bahrain typically has 14 to 15 days of public holidays per year. The exact number can vary depending on whether holidays fall on weekends and if the government grants extra days in lieu.
Do the private sector get the same holidays as the public sector?
Generally, yes. The Bahraini government usually announces the same holiday duration for both sectors, although some private firms may limit breaks for certain roles.
What happens if a holiday falls on a Friday?
Under the Bahrain official calendar rules, if a public holiday falls on a Friday, the following Sunday is usually given as a day off to compensate for the lost weekend day.
When is the best time to book flights for Eid 2026?
We recommend booking at least three to four months before March (Eid Al Fitr) and May (Eid Al Adha). These are the highest-demand periods for travel in and out of the Kingdom.
