Public holidays in Brunei in 2026 are officially established by Prime Minister's Office Circular No. 4/2025, dated 24 September 2025. The national calendar includes Islamic religious celebrations, Chinese New Year, National Day, the Sultan's Birthday, Christmas and officially designated replacement holidays.
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The government's 2026 circular lists 15 public holiday dates, including multiple Hari Raya Aidilfitri dates and replacement days. Some Islamic observances depend on the Hijri calendar and official religious announcements. This guide explains the holiday schedule, national celebrations, religious dates, paid holiday entitlements and the rules affecting replacement days.
Next Public Holiday in Brunei
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Public Holidays in Brunei 2026
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The schedule follows the Prime Minister's Office Circular No. 4/2025, titled Hari-Hari Kelepasan Awam Tahun 2026.
The circular identifies nationwide holidays and designates replacement dates where applicable. It also marks certain Islamic observances as subject to change, reflecting the importance of religious calendar confirmation.
Brunei's Ministry of Education 2026 calendar provides corresponding holiday information alongside the national school calendar.
How Many Public Holidays Are There in Brunei in 2026?
Brunei's official 2026 government circular lists 15 designated public holiday dates. The annual schedule includes national and religious celebrations, several days associated with Hari Raya Aidilfitri and replacement holidays for observances falling on weekly rest days.
This calendar total differs from the 11 public holiday categories identified under Brunei's employment legislation.
The Third Schedule of the Employment Order, 2009, identifies 11 statutory public holiday categories for employment purposes. The annual government circular separately specifies the dates to be observed in 2026.
The distinction is important because one holiday category can involve more than one date, as demonstrated by Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Replacement holidays also affect the annual calendar without creating new recurring holiday categories.
Brunei's Official Public Holiday Calendar for 2026
Brunei's Prime Minister's Office issues the national public holiday circular, known in Malay as Hari-Hari Kelepasan Awam.
For 2026, Circular No. 4/2025 was dated 24 September 2025. It identifies individual holiday dates, important national occasions and officially designated replacement days.
The circular includes both fixed Gregorian dates and celebrations following the Islamic calendar. Some Islamic holidays carry an asterisk indicating that the published dates are subject to change.
The Prime Minister's Office official publication provides access to the government's annual public holiday announcement.
National and Royal Holidays in Brunei
Brunei's national calendar includes important celebrations associated with its independence, monarchy and armed forces. These observances recognize the country's national identity, public institutions and royal traditions.
Brunei National Day
Brunei National Day is celebrated annually on 23 February. It commemorates Brunei Darussalam's attainment of full independence on 1 January 1984, with the national celebration traditionally observed on 23 February.
In 2026, National Day falls on Monday, 23 February, marking the country's 42nd National Day celebration.
The occasion is associated with patriotic ceremonies, national unity and recognition of Brunei's sovereignty and development.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day commemorates the establishment of the country's armed forces on 31 May 1961.
In 2026, the anniversary falls on Sunday, 31 May. The government's annual holiday circular designates Monday, 1 June as the replacement public holiday.
The observance recognizes the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and their role in the country's defence and security.
Sultan's 80th Birthday
The Sultan's Birthday is celebrated annually on 15 July. It commemorates the birthday of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Wednesday, 15 July and marks the Sultan's 80th birthday.
The celebration is an important royal and national occasion, associated with official ceremonies and expressions of loyalty to the monarchy.
Islamic Public Holidays in Brunei in 2026
Islamic celebrations form a significant part of Brunei's official public holiday calendar. The country's national schedule recognizes several observances based on the Hijri calendar, including Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha and Maulud Nabi.
Unlike fixed Gregorian holidays, the dates of Islamic observances move between calendar years. Some dates are finalized through official religious announcements and moon-sighting procedures.
Isra and Mi'raj
Isra and Mi'raj commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's night journey and ascension according to Islamic tradition.
In Brunei's 2026 public holiday circular, Isra and Mi'raj is scheduled for Saturday, 17 January, corresponding to 27 Rejab 1447 AH.
The observance is associated with prayer, religious reflection and remembrance of the significance of the night journey in Islam.
First Day of Ramadan
Brunei recognizes the first day of Ramadan as an official public holiday. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims through fasting, prayer and religious devotion.
The 2026 official circular lists Thursday, 19 February as the First Day of Ramadan, corresponding to 1 Ramadan 1447 AH.
The date is marked as subject to change in the annual circular because the beginning of an Islamic month may depend on official moon-sighting confirmation.
Nuzul Al-Quran
Nuzul Al-Quran commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed on the 17th day of Ramadan in Brunei.
The government's 2026 calendar schedules Nuzul Al-Quran for Saturday, 7 March.
The observance is associated with Quran recitation, religious programmes and reflection on the teachings of Islam.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Syawal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Brunei's Ministry of Religious Affairs officially confirmed Saturday, 21 March 2026 as 1 Syawal 1447 AH following the national moon-sighting process.
The 2026 government circular designates 21, 23 and 24 March as the listed Aidilfitri holiday dates. The final date is a replacement for the second day of Syawal, which falls on Sunday, 22 March.
The holiday is associated with congregational prayers, family visits, hospitality, forgiveness and charitable giving.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs' official announcement confirms the beginning of Syawal and the 2026 celebration date.
Hari Raya Aidiladha
Hari Raya Aidiladha, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates the Islamic tradition of sacrifice and takes place during the period of Hajj.
The 2026 Prime Minister's Office circular lists Wednesday, 27 May as the public holiday, corresponding to 10 Zulhijjah 1447 AH.
It is traditionally marked by prayers, charitable giving, sacrificial rites and the sharing of food with families and communities.
The date is among the Islamic celebrations marked as subject to change in the official annual circular.
Islamic New Year (1448 AH)
Islamic New Year, known in Brunei as Ilal Hijrah, commemorates the beginning of a new Hijri year.
The 2026 holiday calendar lists Wednesday, 17 June as 1 Muharram 1448 AH.
The observance is associated with reflection on the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah, and the values of faith, perseverance and renewal.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maulud)
Maulud Nabi Muhammad commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is recognized as an official public holiday in Brunei.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Tuesday, 25 August, corresponding to 12 Rabiulawal 1448 AH.
The celebration is associated with religious gatherings, prayers, remembrance and reflection on the Prophet's teachings.
Chinese New Year in Brunei in 2026
Chinese New Year is recognized as an official public holiday in Brunei, reflecting the country's multicultural society and the traditions of its Chinese community.
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February.
The celebration marks the beginning of a new year in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Families may observe the occasion through reunions, festive meals and cultural traditions.
Although Chinese New Year follows a lunar calendar and changes Gregorian dates each year, its 2026 date is specified in the official government circular.
Christmas Public Holiday in Brunei
Christmas Day, observed on 25 December, is recognized under Brunei's national public holiday framework.
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December. The Prime Minister's Office circular designates Saturday, 26 December as the replacement holiday.
This arrangement reflects Brunei's distinctive government working-week structure, in which Friday and Sunday are generally weekly rest days.
Christmas remains a nationally recognized public holiday even though Brunei's official religion is Islam.
Substitute and Replacement Public Holidays in Brunei
Brunei's annual government holiday circular identifies replacement holidays when certain celebrations fall on weekly rest days.
These replacement dates are officially designated rather than automatically assuming that the following Monday is a holiday.
For 2026, the Prime Minister's Office circular identifies three replacement arrangements:
- 24 March: Replacement associated with the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Sunday, 22 March.
- 1 June: Replacement for Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day on Sunday, 31 May.
- 26 December: Replacement for Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December.
The original celebration dates remain relevant for religious and historical purposes. However, the replacement dates are those specifically designated in the 2026 official circular.
Employers and individuals planning around public holidays should use the official annual schedule rather than applying a general Monday-substitution assumption.
Working Days and Weekends in Brunei
Brunei's government working week differs from the standard Monday-to-Friday arrangement used in many other countries.
Government offices generally operate from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, with Friday and Sunday treated as weekly rest days. Certain agencies and private businesses may follow different schedules.
This arrangement affects how public holidays and replacement dates interact with normal working days.
For example, a public holiday falling on Friday or Sunday may lead to a different replacement arrangement from one expected under a conventional Saturday–Sunday weekend.
Private-sector rest days depend on applicable employment legislation, contracts and working arrangements. Employees should therefore verify their own schedules instead of assuming that every institution follows the government working week.
Long Holiday Breaks in Brunei in 2026
Brunei's 2026 public holiday calendar includes several opportunities for extended breaks, particularly around Hari Raya Aidilfitri and holidays adjacent to Friday or Sunday rest days.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday Period
Hari Raya Aidilfitri provides one of the most significant holiday periods in Brunei. The official 2026 calendar identifies 21, 23 and 24 March as holiday dates, with Sunday, 22 March falling between them.
For people whose normal rest day includes Sunday, this creates a consecutive period from Saturday, 21 March through Tuesday, 24 March.
The actual length of leave depends on employment conditions and individual work schedules.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day falls on Sunday, 31 May, with Monday, 1 June officially designated as the replacement holiday.
This creates a consecutive Sunday–Monday break for employees who normally rest on Sundays.
Christmas Holiday Period
Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December, and the replacement public holiday is Saturday, 26 December.
For government employees who normally have Friday and Sunday as rest days, the Friday holiday, Saturday replacement and Sunday rest day may form a three-day period without normal office attendance.
These examples reflect the published dates and common government working arrangements. They should not be interpreted as additional government-declared leave days.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Brunei?
Brunei's employment legislation provides statutory public holiday entitlements for employees covered by the relevant provisions.
The Third Schedule of the Employment Order, 2009, identifies 11 public holiday categories, while the Department of Labour's employment guidance describes employees' entitlement to paid public holidays.
These categories include New Year's Day, Islamic New Year, Chinese New Year, National Day, Maulud, the Sultan's Birthday, the First Day of Ramadan, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha and Christmas Day.
The annual government calendar may contain additional individual dates because certain celebrations involve multiple days or officially designated replacements.
Employees required to work on public holidays should refer to applicable employment law and their contracts for the relevant pay and replacement-leave entitlements.
The Department of Labour's employment law guide explains the statutory public holiday categories and general leave entitlements.
Are Government Offices, Banks and Schools Closed on Public Holidays?
Official public holidays can affect the normal operating schedules of government departments, banks, schools and private businesses across Brunei. However, closure arrangements depend on the type of institution and applicable operational requirements.
Government Offices
Government offices generally observe the officially designated public holidays published by the Prime Minister's Office. Essential public services may maintain operations or special staffing arrangements.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Bank branches and financial institutions may close or adjust their services during public holidays. Banking arrangements can also depend on settlement systems and institution-specific notices.
The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank's Aidilfitri 2026 notice illustrates how the central bank separately announces branch services and payment-system operating arrangements around major holidays.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Brunei's Ministry of Education publishes an annual academic calendar that identifies school terms, vacations and relevant public holidays.
School holidays are separate from general public holidays. An academic vacation does not automatically mean that every employee or business in Brunei receives the same days off.
The official 2026 Ministry of Education calendar provides the applicable school schedule.
Private Businesses and Retail Services
Shops, restaurants, hotels, transport providers and other private businesses may remain open during certain public holidays.
Opening hours can change around Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and other major celebrations. Customers should check directly with the relevant business before making time-sensitive arrangements.
How Are Islamic Holiday Dates Confirmed in Brunei?
Brunei uses the Islamic Hijri calendar for several major religious observances. Because Islamic months follow a lunar calendar, their Gregorian dates change from year to year.
The Prime Minister's Office annual holiday circular provides the official scheduled dates and identifies some Islamic holidays as subject to change.
Relevant religious authorities announce the beginning of lunar months where official moon-sighting confirmation is required.
For Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2026, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on 19 March that 1 Syawal 1447 AH would fall on Saturday, 21 March.
This announcement provides a useful example of the difference between an advance holiday schedule and the confirmation of a religious date.
For future years, employers, travellers and event organizers should consult the latest government circular and relevant religious announcements before finalizing plans around variable Islamic holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Brunei?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Brunei section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
How many public holidays are there in Brunei in 2026?
Brunei's Prime Minister's Office Circular No. 4/2025 lists 15 designated public holiday dates for 2026, including multiple Hari Raya Aidilfitri dates and replacement holidays. The Employment Order separately identifies 11 statutory public holiday categories for employment purposes.
What is Brunei's country code?
Brunei's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is BN. This code is used for international country identification and structured holiday databases.
When is Brunei National Day in 2026?
Brunei National Day falls on Monday, 23 February 2026. The occasion marks the country's 42nd National Day celebration and commemorates its full independence in 1984.
When does Ramadan begin in Brunei in 2026?
Brunei's official 2026 public holiday circular schedules the First Day of Ramadan for Thursday, 19 February. The circular marks the date as subject to change in accordance with religious calendar confirmation.
When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Brunei in 2026?
Hari Raya Aidilfitri begins on Saturday, 21 March 2026, as officially confirmed by Brunei's Ministry of Religious Affairs. The government holiday circular lists 21, 23 and 24 March as the designated holiday dates.
When is Hari Raya Aidiladha in Brunei in 2026?
The official 2026 holiday circular schedules Hari Raya Aidiladha for Wednesday, 27 May. The date is linked to the Islamic lunar calendar and was identified as subject to change in the advance schedule.
When is the Sultan's Birthday in Brunei in 2026?
The Sultan's Birthday falls on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It marks the 80th birthday of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and is an official national public holiday.
Does Brunei provide substitute public holidays?
Yes. Brunei's annual government circular specifies replacement dates when applicable. In 2026, the designated replacements include 24 March for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 1 June for Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day and 26 December for Christmas Day.
Are public holidays paid in Brunei?
Brunei's employment legislation provides paid public holiday entitlements for covered employees. The statutory schedule identifies 11 holiday categories, while the annual government circular specifies the applicable holiday dates and replacements.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Brunei
Brunei's 2026 public holiday information is supported primarily by the Prime Minister's Office, with additional official guidance from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Education, Department of Labour and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank.
- Prime Minister's Office – Circular No. 4/2025: Establishes Brunei's official public holiday dates, Islamic observances and replacement holidays for 2026.
- Prime Minister's Office – Public Holidays 2026: Provides the official publication page for the annual national holiday circular.
- Ministry of Religious Affairs – Syawal 1447 AH Announcement: Confirms that Hari Raya Aidilfitri began on 21 March 2026.
- Ministry of Education – 2026 School and Public Holiday Calendar: Provides the official school calendar and corresponding public holiday dates.
- Attorney General's Chambers – Employment Order, 2009: Contains the statutory framework, including the Third Schedule identifying public holiday categories.
- Department of Labour – Guide to Brunei Employment Laws: Explains employee public holiday entitlements and other employment provisions.
- Brunei Darussalam Central Bank – Aidilfitri 2026 Operating Hours: Describes the central bank's holiday operating arrangements and financial settlement schedules.
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