Public Holidays in Qatar 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays

Public holidays in Qatar in 2026 include National Sports Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Qatar National Day. Qatar also has banking-sector holidays that should be distinguished from general public holidays. The length of Eid leave can differ between government bodies, banks and employees covered by the Labour Law, so extended institutional leave periods should not automatically be treated as additional nationwide public-holiday dates.

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Next Public Holiday in Qatar

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Public Holidays in Qatar 2026

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
February 10, 2026	Tuesday	National Sports Day	Confirmed
February 11, 2026	Wednesday	National Sports Day	Confirmed
February 12, 2026	Thursday	National Sports Day	Confirmed
February 13, 2026	Friday	National Sports Day	Confirmed

How Public Holidays Work in Qatar

Qatar’s official holiday system combines fixed national occasions with Islamic holidays whose Gregorian dates vary from year to year. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority’s Aeronautical Information Publication identifies National Sports Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Qatar National Day as public holidays.

National Sports Day follows a fixed rule rather than a fixed calendar date: it is held on the second Tuesday of February. Qatar National Day is observed annually on 18 December. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the Islamic calendar and are confirmed through official state announcements.

National Sports Day in Qatar

National Sports Day is an official holiday observed on the second Tuesday of February each year. For 2026, the Amiri Diwan declared Tuesday, 10 February, an official holiday for National Sports Day.

The annual observance was established under Amiri Decision No. 80 of 2011. Qatar Central Bank instructions also recognize National Sports Day within the official holiday framework applying to banks and financial institutions.

Eid al-Fitr Holidays in Qatar

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and its Gregorian date changes each year because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, the first day of Eid al-Fitr was Friday, 20 March.

The length of Eid leave should be distinguished from the date of the religious holiday itself. For ministries, other government agencies and public institutions, the Amiri Diwan announced an Eid al-Fitr leave period from 17 March through 23 March 2026, with employees returning to work on 24 March.

That extended government-sector leave period should not be interpreted as a single nationwide holiday rule for every employer. Qatar’s Labour Law provides eligible workers with three working days of fully paid leave for Eid al-Fitr. Separate arrangements apply to banks and financial institutions under Qatar Central Bank supervision.

Eid al-Adha Holidays in Qatar

Eid al-Adha is another Islamic holiday whose Gregorian date varies according to the Hijri calendar and official confirmation. The first day of Eid al-Adha in Qatar in 2026 was Wednesday, 27 May.

For ministries, government agencies, public authorities and public institutions, the Amiri Diwan announced an Eid al-Adha leave period beginning on 26 May and ending on 30 May 2026. Employees were scheduled to resume work on 31 May.

The government-sector leave period is different from the general private-sector entitlement. Qatar’s Labour Law provides eligible workers with three working days of fully paid leave for Eid al-Adha. Qatar Central Bank determines the relevant Eid closure arrangements for institutions under its supervision.

Qatar National Day

Qatar National Day is observed annually on 18 December and is an official national holiday. The occasion commemorates the country’s unification under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani in 1878.

In 2026, Qatar National Day falls on Friday, 18 December.

Bank Holidays in Qatar

Bank holidays in Qatar are not always the same as general public holidays. Qatar Central Bank’s official instructions provide specific closure rules for banks and financial institutions.

• 1 January: one day for the annual end-of-year closing.
• Banking Day: the first Sunday of March each year.
• National Sports Day: recognized within the banking holiday framework.
• Eid al-Fitr: banking holidays are governed by Qatar Central Bank rules and relevant announcements.
• Eid al-Adha: banking holidays are governed by Qatar Central Bank rules and relevant announcements.
• Qatar National Day: one day on 18 December.

In 2026, the first Sunday of March falls on 1 March. The 1 January year-end closing and March Banking Day are banking-sector holidays and should not be added to a nationwide public-holiday calendar as ordinary public holidays.

Are Public Holidays Paid in Qatar?

Workers covered by Qatar’s Labour Law have statutory paid holiday entitlements. Article 78 of Law No. 14 of 2004 provides three working days with full pay for Eid al-Fitr, three working days for Eid al-Adha, one working day for the national Independence Day entitlement stated in the law, and three additional working days whose dates are determined by the employer.

The Labour Law also provides rules for situations in which work requirements require an employee to work during these leave days. Employees should check the law, their employment arrangements and any current official notices applicable to their sector.

Government Eid Holidays and Private-Sector Leave Are Not the Same

Official Eid announcements from the Amiri Diwan commonly specify leave periods for ministries, government agencies, public authorities and public institutions. These periods can be longer than the statutory working-day entitlement provided to workers under the Labour Law.

Banks and financial institutions form another category. Amiri Diwan Eid announcements state that the Governor of Qatar Central Bank determines the start and end of Eid holidays for institutions under the bank’s supervision and for relevant financial-market bodies.

How Are Islamic Holiday Dates Confirmed in Qatar?

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the Hijri lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change each year. Qatar’s official holiday information therefore treats the Eid dates as dates published by the State rather than permanently fixed Gregorian dates.

Travelers, employers and employees planning around a future Eid should check current Qatari government announcements rather than relying only on an estimated calendar published months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main public holidays in Qatar?

Qatar’s official public-holiday framework includes National Sports Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Qatar National Day.

What is the next public holiday in Qatar?

The next public holiday changes throughout the year. Use the live Next Public Holiday section above for the current holiday name and date.

When is National Sports Day in Qatar?

National Sports Day is held on the second Tuesday of February each year. In 2026, it fell on Tuesday, 10 February.

When is Qatar National Day?

Qatar National Day is observed annually on 18 December. It is an official national holiday commemorating the country’s unification under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani.

Are Eid dates the same every year in Qatar?

No. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change and are confirmed through official announcements.

How many paid Eid leave days do private-sector workers receive?

Article 78 of Qatar’s Labour Law provides eligible workers with three working days of fully paid leave for Eid al-Fitr and three working days for Eid al-Adha.

Are government Eid holidays longer than private-sector leave?

They can be. The Amiri Diwan may announce extended Eid leave periods for ministries and public bodies, while private-sector statutory leave is governed by the Labour Law and applicable employment rules.

Are bank holidays the same as public holidays in Qatar?

No. Qatar Central Bank has banking-specific closure rules, including the annual 1 January year-end closing and Banking Day on the first Sunday of March. These should not automatically be classified as nationwide public holidays.

Is 1 January a nationwide public holiday in Qatar?

Official Qatar Central Bank instructions identify 1 January as a one-day end-of-year closing holiday for banks. It should therefore be treated separately from Qatar’s general nationwide public-holiday schedule.

Who announces public holidays in Qatar?

The Amiri Diwan publishes major official holiday announcements, including National Sports Day and government-sector Eid leave. Qatar Central Bank issues or determines banking-sector holiday arrangements where applicable.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Qatar

• Amiri Diwan: official announcements confirming National Sports Day and government-sector Eid holiday arrangements.
• Qatar Civil Aviation Authority: the Aeronautical Information Publication identifies Qatar’s main public holidays and the rules governing their dates.
• Government Communications Office: official information confirming Qatar National Day on 18 December.
• Ministry of Labour: the Labour Law sets statutory paid holiday entitlements for workers covered by the law.
• Qatar Central Bank: official banking instructions establish sector-specific holidays and closure rules for banks and financial institutions.