Bahraini public holidays are currently not set to be moved to Sundays, as the government has rejected a proposal to align holidays with the weekend. The decision was made to maintain the significance of religious and national celebrations, which are currently governed by Amiri Decree No. (5) of 1973. This decree ensures that if a holiday falls on a Friday, Saturday, or another public holiday, an extra day off is provided.
In response to the Council of Representatives, the government emphasized the importance of preserving the symbolic value of holidays, which are based on the Islamic calendar for religious events and national and civil occasions. Private sector workers are entitled to paid leave during public holidays, as per Law No. (36) of 2012. Employers have the option to request workers to work on holidays and must provide compensation in the form of 150 percent of their wage or compensatory leave, depending on the worker’s preference.
The proposal to align holidays with weekends was turned down due to concerns about its potential negative impact on Bahrain’s economy, trade, and tourism. The government highlighted the need for fair holiday rules for both the public and private sectors and emphasized the importance of evaluating the proposal thoroughly before implementing any changes. Despite rejecting the proposal, the government expressed gratitude to the Council of Representatives for bringing up the issue and reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation for the benefit of the nation.
While the decision may disappoint those hoping for an adjustment to public holidays, it is clear that Bahrain’s government is prioritizing the preservation of the cultural and religious significance of these celebrations. Maintaining the existing holiday calendar also ensures fairness for workers in both the public and private sectors, as they are entitled to paid leave during holidays. By emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation and consideration of potential impacts, the government is demonstrating its commitment to making informed decisions that benefit the nation as a whole.
The rejection of the proposal to move public holidays to Sundays highlights the government’s recognition of the importance of maintaining the current system in Bahrain. By acknowledging the symbolic value of religious and national celebrations and ensuring fairness for all workers, the government is showing its dedication to upholding cultural traditions while also prioritizing economic stability. While the decision may not align with everyone’s preferences, it underscores the government’s commitment to making decisions that benefit the nation as a whole and uphold the values that are important to Bahraini society.
In conclusion, the decision by the Bahraini government to reject the proposal to move public holidays to Sundays reflects a commitment to preserving cultural and religious traditions while also prioritizing economic stability. By emphasizing the significance of public holidays and the need for fair holiday rules for all workers, the government is demonstrating a dedication to upholding the values that are important to Bahraini society. While the rejection of the proposal may disappoint some, it is clear that the government’s decision is rooted in careful consideration of the impact on the nation as a whole. Ultimately, by maintaining the current system of public holidays, Bahrain’s government is working to ensure a balance between tradition, fairness, and economic prosperity for the benefit of all.
