Qatar Public Holidays & Special Observances in Qatar

Qatar Public Holidays & Special Observances in Qatar: A Complete Guide. Qatar, a dynamic country known for its rich culture and rapid development, celebrates various public holidays and special events throughout the year. These holidays include religious observances, national celebrations, and dedicated days for sports and community gatherings.

Qatar Public Holidays: Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or expatriate worker, understanding Qatar public holidays can help you plan your schedule, travel, and work-life balance more efficiently. In this guide, we will cover Prayer Times in Doha, Qatar National Day, Qatar National Sports Day, Eid Holidays in Qatar, and Qatar Public Holidays for 2025.

Qatar Public Holidays

🕌 Prayer Time in Doha: A Daily Spiritual Routine

Qatar Public Holidays: For Muslims in Qatar, prayer times are essential in daily life. The five daily prayers—Fajr (Dawn), Dhuhr (Noon), Asr (Afternoon), Maghrib (Sunset), and Isha (Night)—follow the Islamic lunar calendar, and timings change based on the position of the sun.

🕰️ Doha Prayer Timings for 2025 (approximate, may vary daily)

📌 Fajr: 4:30 AM – 5:15 AM
📌 Dhuhr: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
📌 Asr: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
📌 Maghrib: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
📌 Isha: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Qatar Public Holidays: You can check the official prayer timings on the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) website or local mosque announcements.

🇶🇦 Qatar National Day: A Celebration of Unity and Progress

📅 Date: December 18, 2025 (Public Holiday)

Qatar National Day, also known as Founder’s Day, marks the historic unification of Qatar by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878. The day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, cultural performances, and festivities across the country.

🏛️ How Qatar Celebrates National Day

✅ Grand Fireworks Display – A spectacular show at the Corniche
✅ Military Parade – Showcasing the strength and pride of Qatar’s armed forces
✅ Cultural Exhibitions – Events celebrating Qatari heritage and traditions
✅ Public Holiday – Most businesses and schools are closed

Qatar National Day is a time for patriotism, pride, and community gatherings, making it one of the most anticipated holidays of the year.

Qatar National Sports Day: A Day for Fitness and Well-Being

📅 Date: Second Tuesday of February (Public Holiday)

Qatar Public Holidays: Qatar is one of the few countries in the world that dedicates a public holiday to sports and health. National Sports Day was introduced in 2012 to promote an active lifestyle and community fitness.

🏋️‍♂️ Activities & Events

🏀 Sports Competitions – Football, tennis, cycling, running, and more
🏋️ Free Fitness Classes – Yoga, Zumba, CrossFit, and aerobics
🚴 Community Races – Marathons and cycling events for all ages
🎯 Corporate & School Events – Team-building activities and sports challenges

This day is a great opportunity for families, professionals, and students to focus on health and fitness while enjoying outdoor activities

🕌 Eid Holidays in Qatar: The Biggest Islamic Celebrations

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

📅 Expected Date: April 22–24, 2025 (Subject to moon sighting)

Qatar Public Holidays: Eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a time of prayer, feasting, and charity.

How Qatar Celebrates Eid al-Fitr:
✅ Early Morning Prayers – Special Eid prayers in mosques and open grounds
✅ Charitable Giving (Zakat al-Fitr) – Donations to the less fortunate
✅ Family Gatherings & Feasting – Traditional Qatari dishes are served
✅ Festivals & Events – Fireworks, kids’ entertainment, and cultural shows

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

📅 Expected Date: June 27–30, 2025 (Subject to moon sighting)

Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The festival includes the sacrifice of sheep, goats, or cows, with a portion shared with the needy.

How Qatar Celebrates Eid al-Adha:
✅ Early Morning Eid Prayers
✅ Sacrificial Animal Slaughter (Qurbani) – Distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate
✅ Extended Public Holidays – Many businesses close for up to 4 days
✅ Family Visits & Celebrations – Special meals and gatherings

Eid in Qatar is a time of gratitude, charity, and joy, celebrated by locals and expats alike.

Qatar Public Holidays 2025: Plan Your Year Ahead

Qatar Public Holidays: Understanding Qatar’s public holidays is essential for residents, expatriates, and visitors alike to effectively plan their work, travel, and leisure activities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the official public holidays in Qatar for the year 2025.

Official Public Holidays in Qatar for 2025

Note: Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are based on lunar observations; thus, the exact dates may vary depending on moon sightings.

Detailed Overview of Each Holiday

1. New Year’s Day

• Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)​
• Significance: Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. While not a traditional Islamic holiday, it is observed as a public holiday in Qatar, with banks and many businesses closed.​

2. National Sports Day

• Date: February 11, 2025 (Tuesday)​
• Significance: Established in 2012, National Sports Day promotes a healthy lifestyle among residents. Various sporting events and activities are organized nationwide to encourage participation in physical activities.​en.wikipedia.org

3. Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

• Expected Dates: March 31 – April 2, 2025 (Monday – Wednesday)​zimyo.com
• Significance: Eid al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a time of communal prayers, feasting, and giving charity. The exact dates are tentative and depend on lunar observations.​

4. Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

• Expected Dates: June 7 – June 9, 2025 (Saturday – Monday)​
• Significance: Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It involves special prayers, feasts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with portions distributed to the needy. The dates are tentative and subject to moon sightings.​

5. Qatar National Day

• Date: December 18, 2025 (Thursday)​
• Significance: Qatar National Day celebrates the country’s unification and independence, honoring the legacy of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. The day features nationwide festivities, including parades, cultural events, and fireworks.​

Planning Ahead

Qatar Public Holidays: Being aware of these public holidays allows for effective planning, whether it’s scheduling business activities, arranging travel, or participating in cultural events. Keep in mind that Islamic holidays are based on lunar observations, so it’s advisable to verify dates closer to the events.

For the most accurate and updated information on public holidays in Qatar, you can refer to official sources such as the Qatar Government Portal.