Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf where many different cultures and customs come together. And what better way to see how different it is than to celebrate its holidays in Bahrain in 2025?
In 2025, Bahrainis and people who live outside Bahrain will enjoy a lively mix of national, religious, and cultural celebrations.
The solemnity of Ramadan, the joy of Eid al-Fitr, the patriotism of National Day, and the cultural richness of Muharram are just a few of the holidays. It gives us a unique look into the heart and soul of this exciting country.
Public Holidays In Bahrain In 2025
In 2025, Bahrain will have a total of eight public holidays in 14 days. The Bahrain weekends are on Friday and Saturday. Also, three of the public holidays from them fall on weekends.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 02, 2025 | Wednesday |
| May Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Arafat Day | Jun 05, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 06, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Islamic New Year | Jun 26, 2025 | Thursday |
| Ashura | Jul 05, 2025 | Saturday |
| Ashura Holiday | Jul 17, 2025 | Thursday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 04, 2025 | Thursday |
| National Day | Dec 16, 2025 | Tuesday |
| National Day Holiday | Dec 17, 2025 | Wednesday |
This is the list of the public holidays in Bahrain in 2025 that the people will celebrate. Let’s now explore the traditions, customs, dates and significance of these holidays.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is celebrated worldwide. In Bahrain, it is a public holiday, and people take this opportunity to spend time with their families and loved ones.
The day is often filled with celebrations, feasts, and exchanging well-wishes for the new year. Many people decorate their homes and also exchange gifts, while others participate in various cultural and social events. For some, it is a time for reflection, making resolutions, and forming dreams for the year ahead.
| To learn more about holidays in Burundi in 2025, check out our other blog. |
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic festivals, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of celebration and joy for Muslims around the world, including in Bahrain. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and Eid al-Fitr signifies the completion of this spiritual journey.
On this day, families gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, and share delicious meals. Children often receive new clothes and gifts, and it is a time for forgiveness, charity, and strengthening community bonds.
May Day (Labour Day)
May Day, also known as Labour Day, is a public holiday in Bahrain. It is celebrated on May 1st and honors the contributions and rights of workers and the labor movement. On this day, various events and rallies are organized to promote workers’ rights.
They also highlight their achievements. It also advocates for better working conditions. Many people participate in parades, attend cultural events, or enjoy a day off work. It is a time to recognize the importance of workers in shaping the economy and society.
Arafat Day
Arafat Day is an important Islamic holiday that comes on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. It marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of Muslims gather on the plains of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
On this day, pilgrims spend the day in prayer, repentance, and reflection, seeking forgiveness from Allah. In Bahrain, while not all Muslims perform the Hajj, Arafat Day is observed with special prayers, sermons, and celebrations.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic festival celebrated in Bahrain. It marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of compliance to Allah. On this day, Muslims around the world offer special prayers.
They sacrifice animals (typically sheep or goats) and distribute some of the meat to the needy and poor. Eid al-Adha is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. This holiday celebrates the spirit of sacrifice, charity, and unity.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram, marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year. While it is a solemn occasion, it is also a time for reflection and renewal. In Bahrain, the day is observed with special prayers, recitations from the Quran, and gatherings with family and friends. Some people decorate their homes and prepare special dishes to celebrate the occasion. It is a reminder of the importance of the Islamic faith and its rich cultural heritage.
Ashura
Ashura is a significant day in the Islamic calendar, celebrated on the 10th day of Muharram. It is very important for Muslims, particularly for Shia Muslims, as it celebrates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
In Bahrain, Ashura is marked by mourning ceremonies, religious processions, and the recitation of poetry and speeches honoring the sacrifice of Imam Hussein. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and solidarity within the Muslim community.
The Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid or Eid Milad un Nabi, is a celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In Bahrain, the day is celebrated with great reverence and joy. Special prayers, recitations from the Quran, and religious gatherings are held to honor the Prophet’s life and teachings.
Many Muslims decorate their homes, distribute sweets, and organize cultural events to commemorate this momentous occasion. It is a time to reflect on the principles of peace, unity, and compassion that the Prophet espoused.
National Day
National Day in Bahrain is celebrated on December 16th and marks the country’s independence from British rule in 1971. It is a day of great pride and patriotism for the people of Bahrain. Festivities include colorful parades, cultural performances, fireworks displays, and various events.
It showcases Bahrain’s rich heritage and traditions. People decorate their homes with the national flag, attend public celebrations, and indulge in traditional dishes. It is a time to honor the nation’s history, achievements, and unity as a people.
This blog post is all about the public holidays in Bahrain in 2025. I hope you enjoyed this post. For the latest updates on public holidays, visit our website.