First Iftar 2026: A Home Away from Home for Expats
Expat communities across Bahrain welcomed the first iftar of the season, turning shared tables into a home away from home. Friends, colleagues, and neighbours gathered to break their fast, exchanging warm Ramadan wishes as twilight softened the sky.
Yesterday evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the Maghrib call to prayer rang out across Bahrain, right after the traditional cannon fire echoed through the skies, signalling the moment to break the fast and marking the first iftar of the season. Wherever people were, at home, at work, on the street, or even traveling, everyone paused, stopping for a moment to share dates and water and reflect in unison. The city seemed to hold its breath, united in a quiet, spiritual pause before the evening meals began.
This year, Muslims across the Kingdom will fast for a total of 398 hours and 35 minutes throughout Ramadan. On average, that amounts to roughly 13 hours of fasting per day, closely aligned with the GCC average of about 13.5 hours daily.
Fasting durations will gradually lengthen as the month progresses, increasing by approximately one minute and 25 seconds each day due to seasonal daylight changes. While the difference may seem small, it reflects the steady transition toward longer days.
Beyond the figures, Ramadan represents a time of spiritual renewal, discipline and compassion. The first iftar not only marked the end of the day’s fast, but also the beginning of 398 hours devoted to prayer, patience and strengthening bonds within families and communities across Bahrain.
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