Push for Three-Day Weekend Gains Momentum in Bahrain Amid Legislative Reforms

Manama, October 21, 2025 –

Calls for a three-day weekend in Bahrain have resurfaced, with supporters highlighting its potential economic and social benefits, including improved work-life balance, better productivity, and increased consumer spending.

While the concept is still under debate in broader public and policy circles, recent government efforts to reform public sector working hours may signal a step toward accommodating such a shift in the long term.

March 2025 Legislative Action

In March 2025, Bahrain’s Parliamentary Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee approved an amendment to Law No. 60 of 2006, which governs the Legislation and Legal Opinion Authority (LLOA)  a key governmental legal advisory body.

The proposed amendment does not directly introduce a three-day weekend, but it restructures work hours in government ministries, extending services to include both morning and evening shifts. The goal is to enhance citizen access to public services, making it easier for individuals to complete government transactions at more convenient times.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

Proponents of a shorter workweek argue that these reforms represent a practical foundation for longer-term labor flexibility. They point to studies and global trends indicating that reduced workweeks can boost mental health, increase family time, and stimulate domestic consumption, especially in sectors like retail and hospitality.

Critics, however, caution that any shift to a three-day weekend would require careful planning, especially in sectors where continuous service is essential.

About Law No. 60 of 2006

Law No. 60 outlines the role and structure of the Legislation and Legal Opinion Authority, responsible for drafting laws, issuing legal opinions to ministries, and guiding the legislative process in Bahrain. The proposed amendment is aimed at modernizing operations within the LLOA and related ministries, potentially laying the groundwork for greater efficiency and public service accessibility.

While the move doesn’t explicitly endorse a shorter workweek, it demonstrates a governmental willingness to rethink traditional work models a sentiment shared by an increasing number of Bahrainis.