Qatar Public Holidays

Qatar Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Qatar? All public holidays in Qatar are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Qatar employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Qatar and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Qatar, a Gulf nation with a rich history and deep-rooted Islamic traditions, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its cultural, religious, and national heritage. According to philosophynearby.com, these holidays are an essential part of Qatari society, marked by a strong sense of community, family gatherings, and public celebrations. Many holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, while others commemorate important events in the nation’s modern history.

---

Religious Holidays

Islam plays a central role in Qatari life, and many public holidays are tied to religious observances in the Islamic calendar. These holidays are primarily marked by communal prayers, acts of charity, and family gatherings. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the dates of these holidays change each year.

Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast)

• Date: 1st of Shawwal (after the conclusion of Ramadan)
• Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
• Traditions:
  • Eid al-Fitr begins with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid, performed in congregation at mosques or large outdoor spaces.
  • Families gather to break their fast with elaborate meals, which include traditional Qatari dishes such as machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
  • Acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, are essential during this time, with donations made to those in need to ensure that everyone can participate in the celebrations.
  • Children often receive gifts, money (Eidiya), and new clothes, and families visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid).

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

• Date: 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage)
• Significance: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
• Traditions:
  • Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with Salat al-Eid, followed by the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for those in need.
  • Family gatherings are a central part of the holiday, with feasts featuring dishes made from the sacrificial meat.
  • Acts of charity are emphasized during Eid al-Adha, as many people donate to charitable organizations or directly to those less fortunate.
  • The holiday also fosters a sense of community, with people visiting each other’s homes and exchanging well-wishes.

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

• Date: 1st of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar)
• Significance: Marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra.
• Traditions:
  • Islamic New Year is a quiet, reflective holiday in Qatar, with most families spending time together and attending prayers at the mosque.
  • Unlike Eid celebrations, the Islamic New Year does not involve large public festivities or feasts, but it is an important occasion for spiritual reflection and renewal.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)

• Date: 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal (the third month of the Islamic calendar)
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
• Traditions:
  • In Qatar, Mawlid al-Nabi is observed with religious services and readings from the Quran, highlighting the Prophet’s life and teachings.
  • Public lectures and sermons often emphasize the moral values and lessons drawn from the Prophet’s life, encouraging people to follow his example.
  • Although it is not a holiday marked by large celebrations, it is a day for Muslims to reflect on the spiritual significance of the Prophet’s teachings.

---

National Holidays

In addition to religious holidays, Qatar celebrates several national holidays that commemorate important events in the country’s modern history. These holidays are marked by patriotic celebrations, public events, and national pride.

Qatar National Day

• Date: December 18
• Significance: Commemorates the unification of Qatar in 1878 by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the modern state of Qatar.
• Traditions:
  • National Day is celebrated with grand parades in Doha, featuring displays of military strength, traditional performances, and cultural exhibitions that showcase Qatar’s rich heritage.
  • The Corniche, a popular waterfront promenade in Doha, becomes the center of festivities, with thousands of people gathering to watch air shows, fireworks, and processions.
  • Traditional Qatari music, dance, and camel races are common during the celebrations, emphasizing the country’s cultural heritage.
  • Qataris and expatriates alike participate in the celebrations, decorating their homes and cars with the Qatari flag and national colors. It is a day of national pride, reflecting the unity and progress of Qatar.

Qatar Sports Day

• Date: Second Tuesday of February
• Significance: Encourages a healthy lifestyle and the importance of physical activity for the wellbeing of the population.
• Traditions:
  • Sports Day is a public holiday dedicated to promoting health and fitness, with events held across the country, including marathons, football matches, cycling races, and fitness challenges.
  • Government institutions, businesses, and sports organizations host various activities that encourage public participation, ranging from team sports to individual fitness sessions.
  • Many families spend the day outdoors, participating in sports activities at parks, beaches, and sports centers.
  • The holiday aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of creating a healthy and active society, as reflected in the country’s focus on sports development, including its preparation to host major international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup.

---

Cultural and Seasonal Holidays

While most of Qatar’s holidays are tied to Islamic traditions or national events, there are several cultural and seasonal celebrations that highlight the country’s heritage and its connection to the broader Arab world.

Garangao

• Date: 14th night of Ramadan (mid-Ramadan)
• Significance: A traditional celebration for children, Garangao is unique to the Gulf region and marks the middle of the holy month of Ramadan.
• Traditions:
  • On the night of Garangao, children dress in colorful traditional clothes and visit neighbors, singing special Garangao songs while collecting sweets, nuts, and treats.
  • The festival is similar to Halloween in some ways, but instead of trick-or-treating, children sing joyful songs to receive gifts from adults.
  • Many Qatari families organize Garangao parties, where children gather to play games, sing, and enjoy the festive spirit.
  • The celebration is meant to strengthen family ties and community bonds, as well as to bring joy to children during the fasting month.

National Environment Day

• Date: February 26
• Significance: A day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability in Qatar.
• Traditions:
  • Schools, government offices, and organizations across the country participate in tree planting, beach clean-ups, and educational workshops focused on protecting Qatar’s natural environment.
  • Public lectures and media campaigns highlight the importance of sustainable practices and Qatar’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Many families and communities engage in eco-friendly activities, such as reducing waste and conserving water, reflecting the country’s growing awareness of environmental challenges.