Qatar Official & Public Holidays in 2026 Dates

Q: Are banks closed on public/national holidays in Qatar?

Banks are closed on bank holidays and major public holidays such as Eid and National Day. Some services may also be limited on observance days.

Q: When does Ramadan start in Qatar in 2026?

Ramadan is expected to begin around 18 February 2026 , but the official start date depends on moon sighting and confirmation by local authorities.

Q: How long is Eid al-Fitr holiday in Qatar?

Eid al-Fitr in Qatar is usually observed for three days , though the exact duration may vary based on official announcements.

Q: Is New Year’s Eve a holiday in Qatar?

New Year’s Eve is considered an observance day , not a public holiday. Most offices operate normally, though celebrations may take place in hotels and entertainment venues.

Qatar’s public holidays in 2026 include a mix of fixed national observances and Islamic holidays that follow the lunar calendar. In total, Qatar will observe 14 national holidays in 2026. While national holidays like New Year’s Day and Qatar National Day fall on the same date every year, Islamic occasions such as Ramadan and Eid depend on moon sightings and may change slightly when officially announced.

We have listed all the public holidays of Qatar 2026. These holidays affect government offices, banks, schools, and many private businesses, so planning is always recommended. Mark your day offs and enjoy the holidays.

Qatar Official & Public Holidays 2026 Holiday Calendar

Date	Day	Name
1 Jan	Thursday	New Year’s Day
10 Feb	Tuesday	National Sports Day
18 Feb	Wednesday	Ramadan Start (Tentative Date)
1 Mar	Sunday	March Bank Holiday
20 Mar	Friday	Eid al-Fitr (Tentative Date)
20 Mar	Friday	March Equinox
21 Mar	Saturday	Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date)
22 Mar	Sunday	Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date)
27 May	Wednesday	Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) (Tentative Date)
28 May	Thursday	Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date)
29 May	Friday	Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date)
21 Jun	Sunday	June Solstice
23 Sep	Wednesday	September Equinox
18 Dec	Friday	Qatar National Day
21 Dec	Monday	December Solstice
31 Dec	Thursday	New Year’s Eve

Bank and Official Public holidays Qatar 2026

New Year’s Day (1 Jan): A public/bank holiday; most government offices and many businesses close or run reduced hours.
National Sports Day (10 Feb): A government-declared holiday encouraging sports and fitness. Many community activities, parks and sporting events are organized; some private sector employers may give a day off.
Event Update: Old Doha Port is celebrating MOVE sports week (5-10 Feb 2026) and See our Complete list of Qatar National Sports day Events & Activities.

March Bank Holiday (Financial Sector Only):

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has officially designated Sunday, March 1, 2026, as a Bank Holiday. This closure is part of the country’s standardized financial calendar under Amiri Decree No. 57 of 2025, which reserves the first Sunday of March each year as an annual holiday for the financial sector.

What you need to know for March 1, 2026:

Who is closed: All licensed financial institutions, including local/international banks, exchange houses, investment offices, and the Qatar Stock Exchange.
Who is open: General businesses, schools, government offices (outside the financial sector), and private companies will operate under standard working hours.
Digital Banking: While physical branches and customer service centers will be closed, digital banking apps, ATMs, and online credit card transactions will remain fully operational.
Resumption of Services: All normal financial operations and branch openings will resume on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Islamic holidays in Qatar 2026

Eid al-Fitr on 1st of Shawal and Eid al-Adha on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah are public holidays with family gatherings, special prayers and many businesses closed for at least one to three days, depending on the official announcement.

During Ramadan (daytime fasting month) many restaurants offer daytime takeout only or close during daylight; evenings come alive with family iftars and longer night markets.

Eid Al Fitr Qatar- March 20 to March 22, 2026 (Tentative)

Celebrating the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic holidays in Qatar. The exact dates are subject to moon sightings, with government offices and most businesses closing during this period.

Arafat Day Qatar- May 26, 2026 (Tuesday, Tentative)

A sacred day in the Islamic calendar, Arafat Day precedes Eid al-Adha and is marked by fasting and reflection. Business operations may be limited or closed.

Eid al-Adha- May 27 to May 30, 2026 (Tentative)

Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. This holiday involves public and private sector closures, with exact dates contingent on moon sightings.

National Commemorative Holidays in Qatar 2026

National Day (18 Dec): The biggest annual patriotic celebration features parades, military displays, concerts, fireworks, and public events. Expect road closures in certain areas of Doha and large crowds in popular viewing locations. If you’re a visitor, plan transport and accommodation well in advance.

Global Holidays Observed in Qatar 2026

Besides national dates, Qatar recognises some global observances. New Year and seasonal equinoxes appear in event calendars. International celebrations often have public events that attract residents and tourists. Check event listings for cultural programming and hotel offers.

School Holidays in Qatar

School calendars align with public holidays and exam schedules. Term breaks vary by private and government schools. Parents should consult the Ministry of Education or school portals for term dates. School holiday planning helps families book travel and childcare in advance.

Important Notes About Holiday Dates

Islamic holidays are tentative and depend on official moon sightings in Qatar.
Final announcements are usually made one or two days before the holiday.
Government offices, banks, and schools typically close during major holidays like Eid and National Day.
Private sector holidays may vary depending on company policy.

What “tentative” means for Eid and Ramadan

Islamic holidays such as the start of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and local moon-sighting announcements. That means the dates published in advance are provisional authorities confirm the exact day only a day or two beforehand. If you need to travel, schedule medical appointments, or plan prayers and family events, treat the published dates as a reliable guideline but check official local announcements close to the time.

Practical tips for residents and visitors

Check closer to the date for Islamic holidays. Because Eid and Ramadan dates depend on the moon, confirm official announcements (media/government) within a few days of the expected start.
Public services & banks: Many government services and banks close on public holidays — arrange any critical transactions before the listed holiday windows.
Travel & bookings: Hotels and flights can fill up around National Day and major Eids; if you plan to travel during those periods, book early.
Cultural etiquette: During Ramadan, be mindful of public eating/drinking during daylight hours (especially in traditional neighborhoods). During national celebrations, show respect for local customs during parades and ceremonies.
Work & school: Employers and schools announce specific closures early in the year; if you work in a multinational workplace, confirm company policy (some companies offer substitute days or extra leave).

Conclusion

Qatar’s public holiday pattern in 2026 is straightforward: a few fixed national dates and several important religious holidays whose exact days depend on the lunar calendar. Use the list above as your planning guide, and double-check official local announcements when the lunar holidays approach.

FAQs

Qatar will observe several public and bank holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, National Sports Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Qatar National Day. The exact number may vary slightly depending on official announcements for Islamic holidays.

Yes. National Sports Day is an official public holiday in Qatar and is observed every year on the second Tuesday of February. Many government offices close, and sports events are held across the country.

Banks are closed on bank holidays and major public holidays such as Eid and National Day. Some services may also be limited on observance days.

Ramadan is expected to begin around 18 February 2026, but the official start date depends on moon sighting and confirmation by local authorities.

Eid al-Fitr in Qatar is usually observed for three days, though the exact duration may vary based on official announcements.

New Year’s Eve is considered an observance day, not a public holiday. Most offices operate normally, though celebrations may take place in hotels and entertainment venues.

Yes. Schools generally close on all official public holidays, including Eid and National Day, but exact dates are announced by educational authorities.