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Bahrain Shortens Ashura Festival and Bans Travel to Iran and Iraq Citing Safety Concerns
Bahrain cut the Ashura commemoration in half and barred travel to Iran and Iraq on June 3. The government also revoked citizenship for 69 Shiites and their relatives. Similar steps were reported in Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
Jun 25, 9:23 AM·1m read1 source
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Bahrain imposed new limits on its Shiite community on June 25, 2026, ahead of the Ashura holiday, Semafor reported. The government halved the traditional 10-day festival and required processions to finish earlier in the evening than usual. Bahrain said the steps were intended to safeguard the safety and well-being of participants.
It added that its constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief for all without distinction. On June 3 the government banned citizens from traveling to Iran and Iraq. Bahrain stated the ban related to the safety and security of its citizens in light of the conflict affecting the region.
Manama also stripped 69 Shiites and their relatives of citizenship and attempted to deport most of them to Iran. It further banned public mourning for Tehran’s late supreme leader. Authorities in Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE have taken parallel actions against alleged Iran-linked militants and sympathizers, Semafor reported.
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