Bahrain's Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has issued a circular notifying that the New Year's day (January 1) will be a public holiday in the kingdom.

"On the occasion of the New Year 2017, the kingdom's ministries, authorities and public institutions will remain closed on Sunday, January 1 corresponding to 3 Rabie-al-Awwal 1438H," according to the Premier's circular, said a Bahrain News Agency report.