Qatar (QA)
Qatar is the world's wealthiest nation per capita — a small but extraordinarily ambitious Gulf state sitting atop the world's largest natural gas reserves.
Capital: Doha
Region: Middle East
Language: Arabic
Currency: QAR (ر.ق)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)
Emergency: 999
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Public Holidays 2026
18 holidays in Qatar. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
رأس السنة الميلادية
Official public holiday. Most businesses and government offices closed. Widely celebrated by the expat community.
February 2026
Tue 10
National Sport Day Public Holiday
يوم الرياضة الوطني
Second Tuesday of February. Qatar's unique sports public holiday — gyms, sports facilities, and public parks open free of charge. Celebrated with outdoor events and family activities.
March 2026
Tue 17
Eid Al Fitr Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الفطر (إجازة)
Eid al-Fitr holiday period begins. Qatar observes an extended Eid al-Fitr holiday. All dates subject to official moon sighting announcement by Ministry of Interior.
Wed 18
Eid Al Fitr Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الفطر (إجازة)
Eid al-Fitr extended holiday period. Government offices, banks, and most businesses closed.
Thu 19
Eid Al Fitr Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الفطر (إجازة)
Eid al-Fitr extended holiday period.
Fri 20
Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) Public Holiday
عيد الفطر
Main Eid al-Fitr day — end of Ramadan. Estimated date; follows the lunar calendar. Exact date confirmed by official moon sighting. Prayers at mosques; family visits, gifts. Essentially all businesses close.
Sat 21
Eid Al Fitr Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الفطر (إجازة)
Eid al-Fitr extended holiday period.
Sun 22
Eid Al Fitr Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الفطر (إجازة)
Eid al-Fitr extended holiday period.
Mon 23
Eid Al Fitr Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الفطر (إجازة)
Final day of Eid al-Fitr extended holiday period. Qatar observes 7 days total for Eid al-Fitr in 2026.
May 2026
Tue 26
Arafat Day (Eid Al Adha Eve) Public Holiday
يوم عرفة
Day of Standing at Arafat — the culmination of Hajj. Public holiday in Qatar. Eve of Eid al-Adha.
Wed 27
Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى
Main Eid al-Adha day. Estimated date — follows lunar calendar. Animal sacrifice (qurban), family gatherings. Essentially all businesses close.
Thu 28
Eid Al Adha Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى (إجازة)
Eid al-Adha extended holiday period. Government offices and most businesses closed.
Fri 29
Eid Al Adha Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى (إجازة)
Eid al-Adha extended holiday period.
Sat 30
Eid Al Adha Holiday Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى (إجازة)
Final day of Eid al-Adha extended holiday period. Qatar observes 5 days total for Eid al-Adha in 2026.
June 2026
Wed 17
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) Public Holiday
رأس السنة الهجرية
Estimated date — follows lunar calendar. Typically 1 day public holiday. Marks the beginning of the new Islamic year.
August 2026
Wed 26
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi) Public Holiday
المولد النبوي الشريف
Estimated date — follows lunar calendar. Public holiday commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. 1 day typically.
December 2026
Fri 18
National Day Public Holiday
اليوم الوطني
Qatar's most important national holiday — marks the unification of Qatar in 1878. Massive celebrations: fireworks, military parade, public events on the Corniche, light shows at Katara and the Pearl. Typically a 2-day holiday (Dec 18–19). Expect heavy traffic and road closures.
Thu 17
National Day Eve Public Holiday
ليلة اليوم الوطني
Eve of National Day — typically declared a public holiday alongside National Day. Part of the 2-day national holiday period.
Note: Some holidays in Qatar apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.