Public holidays in Brunei 2026 play a crucial role in planning personal schedules, business operations, and travel arrangements throughout the year. Understanding these official nationwide holidays helps residents, businesses, and visitors organize their activities effectively while respecting the cultural and religious significance of each celebration. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed national public holidays that are observed across Brunei Darussalam.
Official Public Holidays in Brunei 2026
The following table presents all confirmed nationwide public holidays for Brunei in 2026. These dates are based on official government calendars, though Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” may shift by one or two days depending on moon sighting announcements.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 17 | Saturday | Isra and Mi’raj (Tentative) |
| Feb 17 | Tuesday | Chinese New Year |
| Feb 19 | Thursday | Ramadan Begins (Tentative) |
| Feb 23 | Monday | National Day |
| Mar 7 | Saturday | Nuzul Al-Qur’an |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| Mar 23 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| Mar 24 | Tuesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 31 | Sunday | Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day |
| Jun 1 | Monday | Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day (Observed) |
| Jun 17 | Wednesday | Muharram/Islamic New Year (Tentative) |
| Jul 15 | Wednesday | Sultan’s Birthday |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Maulidur Rasul (Tentative) |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Key Highlights and Planning Tips for 2026
Brunei’s 2026 holiday calendar offers several strategic opportunities for extended breaks and travel planning. However, the multi-day Eid al-Fitr celebration from March 21-24 creates the longest consecutive holiday period, spanning four days. This makes it an ideal time for family gatherings or domestic travel, though booking accommodations early is advisable as many Bruneians utilize this period for vacations.
National Day on February 23 falls on a Monday, potentially creating a long weekend if combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, Sultan’s Birthday on July 15 occurs midweek on Wednesday, providing a break during the middle of the year. Christmas Day receives an observed holiday on December 26 since December 25 falls on Friday, consequently extending the festive period into the weekend.
For those planning international travel, it’s worth noting that several Islamic holidays are marked as “tentative” because their exact dates depend on lunar calendar observations. Therefore, travelers should monitor official announcements from Brunei’s Ministry of Religious Affairs closer to these dates. Businesses should also build flexibility into their scheduling around these periods to accommodate potential date changes.
Check the current local time in Brunei when coordinating with international partners, as Brunei operates on Brunei Darussalam Time (BDT), which is UTC+8. For precise timing of meetings or calls, consider using a countdown timer to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines around holiday periods.
Understanding Brunei’s Holiday Types
Brunei’s public holidays reflect the nation’s Islamic heritage alongside its multicultural society. The majority of holidays observe Islamic occasions such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulidur Rasul). These religious celebrations are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which means their Gregorian dates shift approximately 10-12 days earlier each year.
On the other hand, fixed-date holidays include National Day (February 23), celebrating Brunei’s independence, and Sultan’s Birthday (July 15), honoring His Majesty the Sultan. Chinese New Year recognizes the country’s Chinese community, while Christmas Day acknowledges the Christian minority. Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day (May 31) honors the nation’s military.
According to Brunei’s Labour Code, all workers are entitled to paid time off during these official public holidays regardless of their religious background. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, an additional day off is typically granted on the following Monday, ensuring workers receive their entitled rest period. This practice is evident with Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day and Christmas Day observances in 2026.
For more detailed information about time management and planning around these holidays, explore our comprehensive guides and resources covering various time-related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Brunei 2026?
All 18 public holidays listed in this guide are recognized nationwide across Brunei Darussalam. These include New Year’s Day, National Day, Sultan’s Birthday, Chinese New Year, Christmas Day, and several Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr (4 days), Eid al-Adha, Isra and Mi’raj, Ramadan begins, Nuzul Al-Qur’an, Islamic New Year, and Maulidur Rasul. Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day is also observed nationally with an additional observed day when it falls on Sunday.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
The most significant extended break occurs during Eid al-Fitr (March 21-24), which spans four consecutive days from Saturday through Tuesday. National Day on February 23 falls on Monday, creating a three-day weekend when combined with the regular weekend. Christmas falling on Friday, December 25, with an observed day on Saturday, December 26, also creates an extended weekend period. Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day on May 31 (Sunday) is observed on June 1 (Monday), providing another long weekend opportunity.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
Yes, several Islamic holidays are marked as “tentative” because their dates are determined by lunar calendar observations and official moon sighting announcements. These include Isra and Mi’raj (January 17), Ramadan begins (February 19), Eid al-Fitr (March 21-24), Eid al-Adha (May 27), Islamic New Year/Muharram (June 17), and Maulidur Rasul (August 25). The exact dates may shift by one or two days depending on official announcements from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. It’s recommended to check for updates as these dates approach.
How does Brunei determine Islamic holiday dates?
Islamic holidays in Brunei are determined according to the lunar Hijri calendar, which is based on the observation of the new moon. The Ministry of Religious Affairs makes official announcements after moon sighting confirmations. Since the lunar calendar is approximately 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Islamic holidays shift earlier each year. While projected dates are provided in advance, the final confirmation typically occurs 1-2 days before the actual holiday.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Most government offices, banks, and many private businesses close on official public holidays in Brunei. However, essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, airports, and some retail establishments may remain open with modified hours. During major holidays like Eid al-Fitr, most businesses shut down for the entire celebration period. It’s advisable to check specific business hours in advance, especially when planning essential transactions around holiday periods.
Conclusion
Understanding Brunei’s public holidays in 2026 is essential for effective planning throughout the year. With 18 official nationwide holidays encompassing religious, national, and cultural celebrations, residents and visitors have multiple opportunities to participate in Brunei’s rich traditions while managing their personal and professional schedules accordingly.
Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, planning family vacations, or coordinating with international colleagues, this comprehensive calendar provides the foundation for informed decision-making. Remember to stay updated on tentative Islamic holiday dates through official government channels as the year progresses.
For more resources on time management and planning, visit our main public holidays and time tools page where you’ll find additional calendars, timers, and guides to help you stay organized throughout 2026 and beyond.