Public holidays in Qatar
Summary:Qatar has four national statutory holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day (December 18th), and National Sports Day (the second Tuesday of February). The first two holidays usually last for 5-10 days, while the latter two grant a one-day holiday. Fridays and Saturdays are designated as public holidays, but private sectors often operate on Saturdays due to business needs. During the holy month of Ramadan, the daily working hours are shortened to 5 hours.
Islamic religious festivals
Eid al-Fitr
Date: Determined by the Islamic calendar, usually in early October of the
Islamic calendar (April or May of the Gregorian calendar), marking the end of Ramadan. The
exact date depends on the announcement of the exact time of the new moon by the Islamic
Crescent Committee.
Holiday Duration: Usually lasts for several days, with the specific number
of days announced by the Qatari government each year. For example, in 2024, Qatar's Eid
al-Fitr holiday starts on the 28th day of Ramadan 1445 AH (April 7, 2024 CE) and ends on
April 15, with employees returning to work on April 16.
Eid al-Adha
Date: 10th of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last day of the Hajj
pilgrimage. Muslims who are financially able will sacrifice an animal between the 10th and
12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Holiday Duration: Usually lasts for several days as well, with the specific
number of days also decided by the Qatari government.
National Public Holidays
National Day
Date: December 18th of the Gregorian calendar.
Holiday Duration: Usually one day, during which Qataris engage in various
celebrations, including fireworks, parades, musical performances, and cultural displays.
National Sports Day
Date: The second Tuesday of February each year.
Holiday Duration: Usually one day, encouraging people to participate in
sports activities and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Special Public Holidays
National Day: Celebrated on December 18th, Qatar's National Day commemorates the
country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. This day is marked by grand celebrations
across the nation, featuring parades, fireworks, and various cultural events.
National Sport Day: Held on the second Tuesday of February each year, National
Sport Day encourages all citizens to participate in sporting activities. This annual event
promotes a healthy and active lifestyle and highlights the importance of sports in Qatari
culture."
Public holidays in Qatar in 2025
New Year's Day: January 1
National Sports Day: February 11
Eid al-Fitr: April 2-5
Eid al-Adha: July 10-13
National Day: December 18
Company Operations During Holidays
In Qatar, private companies such as airlines, freight forwarders, railways, couriers, and
logistics companies typically adjust their working hours during public holidays. However, they
generally maintain basic service operations, especially for critical businesses involving
international transportation and logistics.
Qatar Airways: As a global airline, Qatar Airways continues to operate during
holidays, but flight schedules may change.
Freight Forwarders and Logistics Companies: Freight forwarders and logistics
companies adjust their working hours based on demand and holiday schedules, ensuring that urgent
or scheduled shipments are not affected.
Railways: Qatar currently does not have an extensive public railway network.
The primary service is the metro system in the capital city of Doha, which usually operates
during public holidays but may have special schedules.
Courier Companies: Courier companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and local operators
may also offer limited services during holidays, but processing times and deliveries may be
affected.
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