Islamic New Year in Bahrain
In Bahrain, Islamic New Year is an official holiday associated with 1 Muharram, the first day of the Hijri year. Bahrain’s rules cover leave for private sector workers and substitute days for government holidays that fall on the weekly rest days.[1][2][3]
A holiday set by Bahrain’s rules
Bahrain’s decree on official holidays for private sector workers lists the beginning of the Hijri year as 1 Muharram. A separate government decree sets rules for official holidays in government entities, making the holiday part of Bahrain’s formal leave calendar.[1][2]
For private sector workers, the decree provides another day off if a listed holiday falls on a Friday or another official holiday. For government entities, the rule is different: when an official holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday, the holiday is extended by one day.[1][2]
The Hijri year and its date
The Hijri calendar counts years from the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. Its first year is reckoned from 1 Muharram. The calendar has twelve lunar months, and its years are shorter than solar calendar years, so Hijri dates move through the Gregorian calendar over time.[4]
Bahrain’s aeronautical information circular lists Al Hijra New Year as a one-day public holiday and explains that dates for many Muslim lunar-calendar holidays depend on the sighting of the new moon. The exact Gregorian date can therefore vary.[3]
What the holiday means in Bahrain
The holiday’s Bahrain-specific feature that can be verified here is its formal place in the country’s public holiday and employment rules. The cited official calendar and decrees establish its date in the Hijri year and its holiday status; they do not describe a distinct Bahraini ceremony, customary meal or public event for the occasion.[1][2][3]
As general background, the Hijri calendar is used for religious purposes across the Islamic world, while many countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes. Its year begins with Muharram, the first lunar month.[4]
Planning around the day
Bahrain lists the holiday as one day. Government holiday rules specify a substitute day when it coincides with Friday or Saturday; private sector rules provide another day off for a Friday coincidence or overlap with another official holiday.[1][2][3]
The official holiday calendar does not give opening hours for banks, shops or transport. Since the holiday’s date follows the lunar calendar and specific business schedules are not stated in these sources, residents and visitors should check directly with the office, business or service they plan to use.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in Bahrain?
When does Islamic New Year fall?
Do substitute days apply in Bahrain?
Are shops, banks and transport services open?
Check opening hours with the relevant bank, shop or transport provider before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Bahrain:
- قرار رئيس مجلس الوزراء رقم (1) لسنة 2013 بشأن الإجازات الرسمية للعاملين في القطاع الأهلي- Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, Kingdom of Bahrain
- قرار رئيس مجلس الوزراء، رئيس مجلس الخدمة المدنية رقم (45) لسنة 2006 بشأن مواعيد الدوام والعطلات الرسمية والإجازات في الجهات الحكومية- Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, Kingdom of Bahrain
- AIC 01/26 Public Holidays 2026- Air Traffic Management Directorate, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Islamic calendar | Months, Definition, & Facts- Encyclopaedia Britannica