National Day in 2025

When is Bahraini National Day?

This public holiday is always celebrated on December 16th. The holidays last for two days with December 17th also a public holiday.

The holidays mark former ruler, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa coming to the throne in 1961. December 16th is the National Day of Bahrain, also known as the "Pearl of the Gulf."

History of Bahraini National Day

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. From the 1860s, Bahrain had been a British protectorate.

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was made the first emir of Bahrain from 1961 until his death. Born in Jasra, he became emir upon the death of his father, Salman ibn Hamad.

During his 38 year reign, Bahrain gained its independence from the United Kingdom on August 15th 1971, and Bahrain underwent an economic transformation into a modern nation and a key financial center in the Persian Gulf area.

At the age of 65, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa died of a heart attack on March 6th 1999 at the al Sakhir Palace in Manama shortly after his meeting with the United States defense secretary William Cohen. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

How is Bahraini National Day celebrated?

Celebrations include fireworks displays, cultural shows, contests, exhibitions, and entertainment such as magic and laser shows, concerts, and acrobatic performances. It is often the time for the announcement of new projects by the government. Many of the country’s renowned landmarks, such as the Riffa Clock Tower, are festooned with the national flag, and lights; and flowers are planted to brighten many of its main streets.