Qatar Public Holidays
Qatar observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Qatar observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Qatar by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Qatar.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Feb 10 | Tuesday | National Sports Day |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 1 | Sunday | March Bank Holiday |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | September Equinox |
| Dec 18 | Friday | National Day |
| Dec 21 | Monday | December Solstice |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Qatar
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Qatar for 2026. Public holidays in Qatar are determined by the government and often include religious observances, national celebrations, and international days. Some holidays, like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, follow the lunar calendar, so their dates can vary each year.
For a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our definitions page. For a complete list of all observed holidays in Qatar for 2026, including regional observances, please visit our 2026 Qatar holidays page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Qatar observes several significant public holidays. These include internationally recognized days and important national and religious celebrations.
Other notable dates in 2026 include Ramadan Start, March Bank Holiday, and various solstice and equinox dates. For a full listing, please see the 2026 Qatar holidays page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- National Sports Day — 10 February 2026. A day dedicated to promoting sports and physical activity across the nation.
- Ramadan Start — 18 February 2026. The beginning of the Islamic holy month of fasting.
- Eid al-Fitr — 20 March 2026. The festival marking the end of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) — 27 May 2026. Commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
- National Day — 18 December 2026. Qatar's national celebration of its independence.
Planning around holidays
When planning travel or activities in Qatar, it's helpful to be aware of the holiday schedule. Many businesses and government offices may close or have reduced hours during public holidays, particularly around religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Travel during major holiday periods can be busier, and accommodation prices may be higher. It's advisable to book flights and hotels in advance. Religious holidays, such as Ramadan, can also affect daily routines, with some services operating on modified schedules.
Seasonal Patterns: Public holidays in Qatar are spread throughout the year. Religious holidays are tied to the lunar calendar and shift annually, while national holidays remain on fixed dates. The summer months can be very hot, influencing outdoor activities.
Observances: Many holidays are religious in nature, and their observance can impact business operations. It's always a good idea to confirm opening hours for specific attractions or businesses during these times.
Fixed Dates: Holidays like New Year's Day, National Sports Day, and National Day occur on the same date each year, making them easier to plan around.
- Religious Holidays: Dates for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the start of Ramadan vary annually based on the lunar calendar.
- National Celebrations: Fixed-date holidays such as National Sports Day and National Day are consistent each year.
- Summer Months: Be aware of the intense heat during June, July, and August, which may affect outdoor plans.
- Lunar Calendar: Holidays tied to the Islamic calendar will shift forward by approximately 10 to 11 days each year.
- Check Specific Year: Always verify the exact dates for the year you are planning to visit, especially for holidays with variable dates.
Plan Your Year Around QA Holidays
View Qatar holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.