Public Holidays in Qatar 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
Qatar observes a limited number of fixed national public holidays along with Islamic holidays whose exact dates depend on lunar moon sighting and official government decrees.
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Public Holidays in Qatar 2026
| Date(s) | Day(s) | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Bank holiday |
| January 2 | Friday | Bank Holiday | Observed by banks |
| February 10 | Tuesday | National Sports Day | Second Tuesday of February |
| March (TBC) | Sunday | March Bank Holiday | For banking sector (date by decree) |
| March 20 – 23 (approx.) | Fri – Mon | Eid al-Fitr Holidays | End of Ramadan; subject to moon sighting |
| May 26 – 30 (approx.) | Tue – Sat | Eid al-Adha Holidays | Feast of Sacrifice; extended public holiday |
| December 18 | Friday | National Day | Qatar’s National / Founder’s Day |
Public Holidays in Qatar 2025
| Date(s) | Day(s) | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Bank holiday |
| January 2 | Thursday | Bank Holiday | Observed by banks |
| February 11 | Tuesday | National Sports Day | Second Tuesday in February |
| March 2 | Sunday | March Bank Holiday | For banking sector |
| March 30 – April 2 | Sun – Wed | Eid al-Fitr Holidays | End of Ramadan; multi-day holiday |
| June 5 – 7 | Thu – Sat | Eid al-Adha Holidays | Feast of Sacrifice; extended break |
| December 18 | Thursday | National Day | Qatar’s National / Founder’s Day |
Observance Notes & Key Details
- The official weekend in Qatar is Friday and Saturday.
- Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) follow the Hijri lunar calendar and may shift by one day.
- Eid holidays are usually announced as multi-day periods covering both public and private sectors.
- National Sports Day is observed annually on the second Tuesday of February.
- Some holidays apply specifically to banks and financial institutions.
- The official holiday calendar may be amended through Emiri decrees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Qatar have in 2026?
Qatar observes approximately 5–7 major public holiday periods in 2026, including national and Islamic holidays.
Which holidays are fixed in Qatar?
Fixed holidays include New Year’s Day, National Sports Day, and National Day (18 December).
Are Islamic holiday dates confirmed in advance?
No. Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and are confirmed through official announcements.
Are bank holidays different from public holidays?
Yes. Some holidays, such as March Bank Holiday, apply mainly to banks and financial institutions.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Qatar combine national observances with Islamic celebrations governed by lunar calculations. With extended Eid breaks, National Sports Day, and National Day in December, Qatar’s holiday calendar plays a major role in civic and cultural life. Always verify final dates through official Qatari announcements.
