Eid rush fills laundry shops across Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

With Eid Al Fitr just around the corner, laundry shops across Bahrain are witnessing one of their busiest periods of the year as residents rush to prepare their clothes for the celebrations.

In a survey conducted by The Daily Tribune, several laundry shop owners said the pressure this week has been far greater than usual, with customers bringing in thobes, dresses and abayas to be pressed in time for Eid gatherings and family visits.

Many laundries told the newspaper that they will accept ironing orders only until Wednesday at the latest due to the heavy workload. After that, they expect to stop receiving new items so they can focus on completing existing orders and ensure all clothes are ready a day before Eid.

Despite the rush, some shops said they will continue to accept garments after Wednesday under what they call an “express service.” The cost, however, will be significantly higher.

Normally, ironing a thobe in Bahrain costs between BD0.300 and BD0.500. Under the express service, laundries say the price may rise to around BD1 per thobe.

A number of 24-hour laundries said they would continue receiving garments even on Eid day itself. However, their prices are typically higher throughout the year, customers often use them for full washing and ironing services for thobes, usually priced around BD3.

The growing load on laundries reflects how closely clothing preparation is tied to Eid traditions in Bahraini society. For many families, wearing freshly pressed clothes is part of the joy of the occasion.

Laundry owners advise residents not to leave their garments until the last moment, as delays may mean missing the chance to have them ready in time for Eid morning.