Bahrain is expected to have about 15 public holiday days in 2027, including New Year on 1 January, Eid al-Fitr from 9 March, Labour Day on 1 May, Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha from 15 May, Hijri New Year, two days of Ashura in June, the Prophet's Birthday and National Day on 16–17 December.
Bahrain's public holidays are confirmed by Prime Minister's circular ahead of each occasion. Here are the expected 2027 dates and the rules for private sector employers.
Bahrain public holidays 2027: full list
| Holiday | Expected date | Day | Days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Friday | 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr | 9–11 March | Tuesday–Thursday | 3 |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Saturday | 1 |
| Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha | 15–18 May | Saturday–Tuesday | 4 |
| Hijri New Year | 6 June | Sunday | 1 |
| Ashura | 14–15 June | Monday–Tuesday | 2 |
| Prophet's Birthday | 14 August | Saturday | 1 |
| National Day | 16–17 December | Thursday–Friday | 2 |
Islamic holidays depend on the moon sighting and can move by a day. Dates on this page are expected, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar. We will update this page as soon as official dates are announced.
Download the Bahrain 2027 calendar (PDF) ↓
What Bahrain employers must know
Under Article 64 of Labour Law No. 36 of 2012, employees get full pay on Eid and other official holidays. If an employee works on a holiday, they choose between 150% of their wage for the days worked or substitute leave.
When a holiday falls on Friday, the weekly rest day, employees get a day off in lieu. In 2027 that applies to New Year's Day (1 January) and the second day of National Day (17 December).
2027 planning checklist for HR and payroll
- Load the 2027 holiday calendar into your HR and payroll system now, and update it when official dates are announced.
- Set your policy for staff who must work on holidays, and agree in writing whether they get pay or a day off.
- Plan payroll cut-offs around Eid, since banks and teams may be closed.
- Ask employees to book leave around long weekends early, so cover is planned.
- Plan for the day in lieu when a holiday falls on a Friday.
Related: GCC public holidays 2027 · GCC leave law guide · Leave management software