Planning ahead for the year is easier when you know exactly what days are public holidays. In Qatar, these dates matter for everyone, from individuals scheduling trips to companies managing work hours and payroll.
If you are an employer, you need to understand Qatar follows Islamic and national holiday cycles with dates that may shift based on moon sightings or government announcements.
Knowing the full list of 2026 public holidays in Qatar helps you:
- Plan employee leave and avoid unexpected absences
- Schedule payroll accurately and remain compliant
- Inform clients and partners about office closures
- Book travel and events on days that work best
At Yomly, we make holiday planning simple. Use our HR and payroll tools to automatically factor in Qatar’s 2026 public holidays. Let Yomly handle the dates so you can focus on your team and your business.
2026 Holiday Calendar For Qatar At a Glance
Here is a quick glance at the major public holidays in Qatar for the year 2026. You can save these dates to plan ahead for team schedules, payroll processing, business operations, or personal events.
This list includes national and religious holidays that are commonly observed across the country.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| February 10 | Tuesday | National Sports Day |
| March 20 – 22* 2026 | Friday – Sunday | Eid Al Fitr |
| May 26* 2026 | Tuesday | Arafat Day |
| May 27 – 30* | Wednesday – Saturday | Eid al-Adha |
| December 18 | Friday | Qatar National Day |
*Dates are tentative and subject to moon sightings.
Detailed Insights on Public Holidays In Qatar For 2026
Below, we have shared detailed insights on each public holiday in Qatar for 2026 and why they matter. If you are an employer, HR professional, or planning to set up a business in Qatar, understanding these holidays is important for workforce planning, payroll management, and staying aligned with local regulations and cultural practices.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. While it is not an official public holiday in Qatar, many multinational companies and private organizations may choose to observe it.
Some businesses offer optional leave or reduced working hours, especially for international teams. Expats often use this time for short breaks or travel.
National Sports Day – February 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
Observed on the second Tuesday of February each year, National Sports Day is an official public holiday in Qatar.
On February 10, 2026, government offices, schools, and many private-sector organizations will suspend normal operations to promote physical activity and healthy living. Public spaces host sports events, fitness programs, and community activities.
It’s a great day for team-building events or simply taking time to focus on fitness and well-being.
Eid Al Fitr – March 20 to March 22, 2026 (Tentative)
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is one of the most important religious holidays in Qatar.
In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall between March 20 and March 22, depending on moon sightings. Government offices and most businesses remain closed during this period.
Employees typically spend time with family, attend prayers, and engage in charitable acts. Employers should plan payroll processing, shift coverage, and leave approvals well in advance, as this is a peak leave period.
Arafat Day – May 26, 2026 (Tuesday, Tentative)
Arafat Day marks the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar.
On this day, pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in Mecca, while non-pilgrims often observe fasting and reflection. In Qatar, many government offices and businesses close or operate at reduced capacity.
This day is officially recognized and should be factored into workforce and payroll planning.
Eid al-Adha – May 27 to May 30, 2026 (Tentative)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, follows Arafat Day and is expected to be observed from May 27 to May 30, 2026, subject to official announcements.
Eid al‑Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God and his willingness to sacrifice his son before God provided a ram instead.
Qatar National Day – December 18, 2026 (Friday)
Qatar National Day is a patriotic celebration marking the country’s unification under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878 and has been officially observed on December 18 by decree since 2007.
On this day, government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses close so people can take part in national festivities.
Festivities take place across Qatar, including:
- A grand military and civic parade along the Doha Corniche, featuring armed forces, police, and traditional units.
- Colorful fireworks, heritage performances, and traditional events at Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif.
- Cultural celebrations leading up to the day, such as Darb Al Saai, which showcases Qatari heritage through crafts, music, and historic rituals.
For employers and HR teams, this official holiday requires planning for one paid day off under Qatar Labour Law. Any work scheduled that day must be compensated as overtime. It’s also a key opportunity to share in national pride and support employee engagement activities.
Want to avoid last-minute payroll issues during public holidays? Book A Free Demo to See how Yomly handles it.
Need Help Managing Leaves and Holidays in Qatar?
If you are struggling to track public holidays, manage leave requests, or keep your payroll aligned with Qatar’s official holiday calendar, you are not alone.
For overseas companies operating in Qatar, it is best to use a local solution that understands regional compliance and labor law requirements.
You can choose Yomly, Qatar’s leading HR and payroll software trusted by 250+ enterprises across the GCC and MENA regions. Whether you’re managing a growing workforce or streamlining operations, Yomly simplifies everything for your HR team.
Here is why Yomly is the best HR & Payroll solution for your Qatar business:
- Leave and attendance tracking that auto-syncs with Qatar’s public holidays
- Multi-currency payroll with automated calculations for joiners, leavers, and overtime
- Mobile-friendly self-service for employees to apply for leave and view payslips
- In-built compliance with Qatar’s wage protection system and labor regulations
- Dedicated local support teams based in Doha to help with onboarding and implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in Qatar?
Qatar typically has around 10 to 12 public holidays each year. These include both fixed national events like National Sports Day and Qatar National Day, as well as Islamic holidays like Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, which vary based on moon sightings.
The number of official days off may change depending on government announcements, especially for religious holidays that can extend over multiple days.
Are Fridays and Saturdays holidays in Qatar?
Yes, in Qatar, the official weekend falls on Fridays and Saturdays. Most government offices, banks, and private companies follow this schedule. Friday is considered a holy day in Islam, and many businesses either close fully or operate with reduced hours. Sunday is a regular working day in Qatar, so it is important to plan meetings and internal schedules accordingly if you are working with teams based in the region.
What are the most significant public holidays in Qatar?
The most significant public holidays in Qatar include:
- Eid al Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, this marks a time of prayer, family gatherings, and giving.
- Eid al Adha: Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, this is one of the most important religious holidays in the Islamic calendar.
- Qatar National Day: Celebrated on December 18, it honors the country’s unification under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani.
- National Sports Day: Held on the second Tuesday of February to promote health and wellness across the country.
These holidays are widely observed and usually involve official days off for both public and private sector employee.
👉 Try our HR And Payroll Software (HRMS) In Qatar
What’s the best way to track employee leave during Qatar’s shifting holiday calendar?
The best way to track employee leave during Qatar’s shifting holiday calendar is by using an HR and payroll platform that automatically adjusts to local holiday changes. Since Islamic holidays can change based on moon sightings, manual tracking can lead to errors and compliance issues.
A payroll software like Yomly can help automate leave accruals, approvals, and calendar updates in line with Qatar’s labor laws. It also ensures that your payroll remains accurate and your team stays informed of upcoming days off through self-service access.
Are there any other important dates to keep in mind in Qatar, even if they are not public holidays?
Yes, apart from official public holidays, there are several other important dates in Qatar that organizations should consider when planning HR activities, payroll, or employee engagement.
- Ramadan (tentative: February–March 2026)
- Reduced Working Hours During Ramadan (as per Qatar Labour Law)
- Hajj Season (late May–June 2026, tentative)
- School Term Breaks and Academic Holidays
- Start and End of the Financial Year
- End of Financial Quarters (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4)
- Wage Protection System (WPS) Salary Cut-off Dates
- Annual Bonus and Gratuity Processing Periods
- Major National Events and Government Campaigns
- Large Sporting and Cultural Events in Doha
Keeping these dates in mind helps organizations plan leave approvals, payroll cycles, staffing availability, and internal engagement activities more effectively throughout the year.
Important Note: This article has been updated for 2026 to reflect the latest available information on public holidays in Qatar. While we aim to keep the details accurate and up to date, holiday dates may change based on official announcements and moon sightings. This content is intended for general overview and planning purposes only and should not be used for legal, payroll, or compliance requirements.
