Public Holidays, Weekends in Bahrain, and Leave Types in Bahrain: A Complete Guide 2025

30-12-2024

Understanding public holidays, weekends, and leave types in Bahrain is essential for anyone living or working in the country. Bahrain, a nation rich in culture and traditions, offers a mix of religious and national holidays that reflect its vibrant heritage. This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of these holidays and leave entitlements, ensuring compliance with labor laws and effective personal or business planning.

Bahrain’s public holidays are observed by citizens, residents, and workers across all sectors. These holidays allow time for celebration, rest, and religious observances. By understanding the intricacies of holidays and weekends in Bahrain, expatriates and locals alike can make the most of their time. Additionally, leave types provided under Bahrain’s labor laws ensure that employees’ needs are met, promoting work-life balance.

This detailed blog covers everything about public holidays in Bahrain for 2025, how weekends are structured, and the various types of leave entitlements employees can avail of under Bahraini labor laws.

Public Holidays in Bahrain

Bahrain observes several public holidays each year, which are either religious or national in nature. These holidays are celebrated with great respect and enthusiasm, marking significant events in the Islamic calendar and the country's history.

New Year’s Day

The year begins with New Year’s Day on January 1. While it is not a traditional Islamic holiday, it is recognized as a public holiday in Bahrain. The day serves as a moment of reflection and a chance for people to set goals for the year ahead.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, expected to fall on Evening of Sat, Mar 29, 2025 – Sun, Mar 30, 2025, Dates may vary, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. This holiday is one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar, bringing families together for prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. The exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, and the celebration typically lasts for three days.

Labour Day

Labour Day, observed on May 1, honors the contributions of workers in Bahrain and worldwide. It is a day for recognizing the value of hard work and the rights of employees across all sectors.

Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha

Arafat Day, the dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, the day holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims as it marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. This is followed by Eid al-Adha, this festival lasts for 4 days. Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, this holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. It is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and acts of charity over three days.

Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year, expected dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The day marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar. While it is a quieter holiday compared to others, it remains an important day of reflection for Muslims in Bahrain.

Ashura

Ashura, observed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, is a significant holiday for Shia Muslims in Bahrain. It honors the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a central figure in Islamic history. Mourning rituals, prayers, and religious gatherings mark the observance of this solemn occasion.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi Al Awal expected. The dates may vary on the Islamic lunar calendar, is a day of celebration and reflection on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims often engage in prayers, religious gatherings, and acts of charity.

National Day

Bahrain’s National Day, celebrated on December 16 and 17, commemorates the country’s independence and the leadership of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The celebrations include parades, cultural programs, and vibrant fireworks displays, reflecting national pride and unity.

Islamic holidays in Bahrain, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Ashura, follow the lunar calendar. As a result, the dates vary each year based on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Weekends in Bahrain

Bahrain’s weekend structure aligns with its Islamic traditions. Fridays and Saturdays are designated as weekends, with Friday being a holy day for Muslims. On this day, mosques across the country fill with worshippers for the Friday congregational prayers, a central aspect of Islamic practice.

For most businesses and institutions, the workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday. This allows for a two-day weekend that provides a balance between religious observance and leisure time.

During Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, working hours are reduced to accommodate the spiritual practices of Muslims. Employees typically work six hours a day, promoting a balance between work and religious obligations.

Working Hours in Bahrain

Bahrain follows a five-day workweek, with the majority of businesses operating from Sunday to Thursday. Working hours are typically regulated by labor laws, ensuring fair treatment for employees.

Regular Working Hours:

Employees are expected to work 8 hours a day, totaling 48 hours per week.

During Ramadan:

Muslim employees are provided with reduced working hours, which total 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week, acknowledging the fasting period.

Employers are encouraged to respect labor laws and cultural practices during weekends and holidays.

Leave Types in Bahrain

Bahraini labor laws prioritize the well-being of employees by offering a variety of leave types. These entitlements ensure that workers can balance their professional responsibilities with personal and family needs.

Annual Leave

Employees in Bahrain are entitled to thirty days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. For those who have not yet reached a year of employment, the leave is calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Employers encourage employees to utilize their annual leave for rest and rejuvenation. Accumulating unused leave is generally discouraged, as taking time off is vital for maintaining productivity and mental health.

Sick Leave

Sick leave in Bahrain is structured to ensure that employees have adequate time to recover from illnesses. Workers are entitled to:

1. 15 days of full pay.
2. 20 days of half pay.
3. 20 days without pay, if additional recovery time is required.

A medical certificate is typically required to validate the absence, ensuring that the system is not misused.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to sixty days of paid maternity leave. This policy supports mothers during a critical time in their lives, allowing them to focus on their health and the well-being of their newborns. Additionally, working mothers are entitled to two daily nursing breaks for up to a year after returning to work.

Emergency and Compassionate Leave

In cases of personal emergencies, employees may be granted short-term unpaid leave. Compassionate leave is also provided for events such as the death of an immediate family member, ensuring that workers can attend to their responsibilities during challenging times.

Hajj Leave

Muslim employees who have completed five years of service are entitled to fourteen days of unpaid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. This provision highlights Bahrain’s commitment to supporting the religious obligations of its workforce.

In 2025, Bahrain will observe several public holidays, encompassing both religious and national events.

Here is a detailed overview of the expected dates and durations. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced by the time of holiday, so please check the official websites of Bahrain regularly for new updated dates:

1. New Year's Day

   Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

   Duration: 1 day

   Details: Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.

2. Eid al-Fitr

   Expected Dates: Sunday, March 30 to Tuesday, April 1, 2025

   Duration: 3 days

   Details: Celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The exact dates are subject to the sighting of the moon.

3. Labour Day

   Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

   Duration: 1 day

   Details: Honors the contributions of workers in Bahrain and globally.

4. Arafat Day

   Expected Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

   Duration: 1 day

   Details: Observed on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, preceding Eid al-Adha.

5. Eid al-Adha

   Expected Dates: Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, 2025

   Duration: 3 days

   Details: Known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Dates depend on lunar observations.

6. Islamic New Year

   Expected Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

   Duration: 1 day

   Details: Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year.

7. Ashura

   Expected Dates: Saturday, July 5 to Sunday, July 6, 2025

   Duration: 2 days

   Details: Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a significant event in Islamic history.

8. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)

   Expected Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025

   Duration: 1 day

   Details: Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

9. National Day

   Dates: Tuesday, December 16 to Wednesday, December 17, 2025

   Duration: 2 days

   Details: Commemorates Bahrain's independence and the establishment of the modern state.

Please note that Islamic holidays are determined by lunar sightings; therefore, the exact dates may vary. It's advisable to confirm these dates with official government announcements closer to the time.

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Managing Leave with TimeChart

Managing leave types, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and other types of leave, can be a complex task for both employers and employees in the Middle East. To streamline the process and ensure accuracy in leave tracking, businesses in the middle east are increasingly turning to TimeChart, a time attendance system that offers powerful tools for managing employee attendance and leave requests.

TimeChart helps businesses automate the entire leave process, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that employees’ leave entitlements are tracked accurately. With features such as leave balance tracking, automated approval workflows, and real-time updates, TimeChart makes it easier for both employers and employees to manage leave efficiently.

The TimeChart system allows employees to submit leave requests online, and supervisors can approve or deny these requests within the system. It also integrates with biometric time attendance systems, ensuring that all leave records are linked to accurate clock-in and clock-out data, making it simpler for businesses to comply with labor laws.

Additionally, TimeChart provides detailed reports, allowing employers to monitor leave patterns, track employee absences, and ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.

Read more about types of Leaves in UAE Labour Law: Annual Leave in UAE

How Timechart Can Help Businesses, Employees, and Managers

Timechart offers a range of tools and features designed to streamline workforce management. Its user-friendly interface and smart functionalities provide significant benefits for businesses, employees, and managers alike. Let’s explore how Timechart simplifies attendance tracking, unpaid leave management, and overall employee engagement.

Benefits for Businesses

1. Efficient Leave Management:
   • Timechart automates leave tracking, making it easy to manage unpaid leave, annual leave, and sick leave.
   • Businesses can ensure compliance with Labour Laws, reducing legal risks.
2. Accurate Attendance Tracking:
   • Timechart’s biometric attendance system eliminates manual errors and provides real-time updates on employee attendance.
   • Mobile time attendance capabilities ensure remote and on-site employees are accounted for.
3. Improved Compliance:
   • Built-in features help employers stay updated with labour law requirements, including Hajj leave, extended sick leave, and maternity leave policies.
   • Customized reports ensure accurate records for audits or inspections.
4. Cost Savings:
   • Automating processes reduces the need for manual administration, saving time and resources.
   • Detailed analytics provide insights into employee productivity and absenteeism trends, helping businesses optimize their workforce.

Benefits for Employees

1. Transparency in Leave Tracking:
   • Employees can easily apply for unpaid leave and monitor their leave balances using the Timechart app.
   • Automated notifications ensure they are updated on the status of their leave requests.
2. Flexibility for Remote Work:
   • Timechart’s mobile features enable employees to log attendance from anywhere, ensuring seamless workflow for remote or hybrid teams.
3. Access to Records:
   • Employees can access their attendance history, overtime records, and leave applications anytime, promoting trust and transparency.
4. Stress-Free Compliance:
   • With clear visibility into labour law-compliant leave policies, employees feel secure and confident in their entitlements.

Benefits for Managers

1. Centralized Management:
   • Managers can oversee attendance, unpaid leave, and sick leave requests from a single dashboard.
   • Real-time updates allow managers to make informed decisions quickly.
2. Improved Productivity:
   • With attendance data and leave patterns readily available, managers can allocate tasks effectively, avoiding understaffing or overburdening employees.
3. Enhanced Communication:
   • Timechart bridges communication gaps by enabling direct updates on leave approvals, attendance discrepancies, or schedule changes.
4. Performance Insights:
   • Analytics and reports generated by Timechart provide a clear picture of employee performance, enabling proactive management.

Additional Benefits

1. Customizable Policies:
   • Timechart allows businesses to customize leave and attendance policies based on their unique needs while remaining compliant with laws.
2. Cloud-Based Accessibility:
   • As a cloud-based platform, Timechart ensures secure access to data from anywhere, promoting flexibility and scalability.
3. Integration with Payroll:
   • Timechart integrates seamlessly with payroll systems, ensuring accurate calculation of unpaid leave deductions and other benefits.
4. Enhanced Employee Engagement:
   • By reducing administrative burdens and improving communication, Timechart fosters a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Why Choose Timechart?

Timechart’s advanced yet simple tools are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in the Middle East. It ensures compliance with local labour laws, enhances operational efficiency, and promotes transparency at every level. Whether managing unpaid leave, streamlining attendance tracking, or improving employee satisfaction, Timechart stands out as an invaluable tool for modern workforce management.

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Conclusion

Bahrain’s public holidays, weekends, and leave policies reflect its commitment to cultural and religious values while ensuring the well-being of its workforce. By understanding these aspects, individuals and businesses can plan effectively, respecting both traditions and professional responsibilities.

Whether you are a resident, an expatriate, or an employer, staying informed about public holidays, working hours, and leave entitlements is essential for seamless integration into Bahrain’s dynamic environment. With this guide, you can navigate the year ahead with confidence and respect for the country’s rich heritage and labor laws.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most up-to-date details about public holidays, weekends, or leave policies in Bahrain. Readers are advised to consult Bahrain’s Labour Law or official government resources for the latest and most accurate information. Always check with your employer for specific company policies regarding holidays and leave entitlements. This content is not intended as legal advice, and the authors are not responsible for any discrepancies or misunderstandings.

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