Bahrain confirms extended holiday for Eid Al Adha 2025
Religious observances begin with Arafat Day on June 5
DUBAI: Bahrain has officially declared a six-day public sector holiday for Eid Al Adha 2025, starting from Thursday, June 5, until Tuesday, June 10.
The announcement was made via a circular issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.
As per the directive, all ministries and public institutions will be closed on the Day of Arafah and the subsequent Eid Al Adha celebrations. While the religious holidays fall on June 5 to 8, two of those days overlap with Bahrain’s weekend – Friday and Saturday. In accordance with labour regulations, these days will be compensated with additional leave on Monday and Tuesday, resulting in an extended six-day break.
The announcement offers residents and government employees in the Kingdom ample opportunity to enjoy the festivities, spend time with family, travel, or explore the wide range of cultural and entertainment events planned across Bahrain during the holiday period.
Eid holidays across GCC
Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, similar announcements have been made. In the United Arab Emirates, both public and private sector employees will observe a four-day holiday, from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8. Work resumes on Monday, June 9.
Saudi Arabia has followed suit with a four-day holiday for private and non-profit sectors, also spanning June 5 to June 8. The Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) confirmed a six-day trading suspension from Thursday, June 5, to Tuesday, June 10, with operations resuming on Wednesday, June 11.
In Oman, a five-day Eid break has been confirmed, beginning Thursday, June 5, and lasting through Monday, June 9. Regular working hours will return on Tuesday, June 10. The Sultanate’s holidays apply to both public and private sectors.
Qatar has announced a five-day public holiday for Eid Al Adha, running from Thursday, June 5 (Arafat Day), through Monday, June 9. The announcement was approved by Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and published in Qatar’s Official Gazette. Ministries and public institutions will remain closed during this period.
The dates were determined following the sighting of the crescent moon, which marked the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah – the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar – on Wednesday, May 28.
Kuwait is also expected to declare a similar holiday period, though official confirmation is pending. Based on precedent and alignment with the lunar calendar, a break from June 5 to June 9 is anticipated.
Eid Al Adha 2025
The Eid Al Adha holiday follows the Day of Arafah, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, Arafat Day will be observed on Thursday, June 5, corresponding to the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah.
On this day, Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia, engaging in prayers and reflection as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. The act commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) final sermon and holds immense religious value. For Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting on Arafat Day is highly recommended.
Eid Al Adha itself will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, marking the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah. Known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ it honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering devotion. Families observe the occasion by offering Qurbani (sacrifice), distributing meat to the less fortunate, and gathering for prayers and feasts.
In Bahrain and beyond, the spirit of the holiday is expressed through acts of charity, family visits, traditional meals, and cultural festivities.
Hajj 2025
Hajj 2025 is expected to draw over 2 million Muslims from around the globe to Makkah. This pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place annually during Dhu Al Hijjah. Pilgrims perform a series of sacred rites, culminating in the symbolic sacrifice and the celebration of Eid Al Adha.
With the beginning of Hajj rituals aligning with early June, pilgrims will gather in Mina and proceed to Mount Arafat on June 5, setting the tone for the global celebration of Eid the following day.