Qatar’s public holidays reflect its cultural identity, Islamic values, and national pride. These holidays not only bring communities together but also serve as an opportunity for businesses to effectively schedule staffing, attendance, and operations. As HR professionals and employers plan for the year ahead, being aware of the public holidays in Qatar 2026 helps to assure smooth workforce management, timely payroll management, and improved employee well-being.
Whether you are a resident, an expatriate professional, or a manager of a team in Qatar, this guide provides a clear view of the upcoming holidays in Qatar for 2026.
List of Public Holidays in Qatar 2026
Date | Day | Holiday |
1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
10 February 2026 | Tuesday | National Sports Day |
20–22 March 2026 | Friday- Sunday | Eid Al Fitr |
27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Arafat Day |
27–29 May 2026 | Wednesday–Friday | Eid al Adha |
18 December 2026 | Friday | Qatar National Day |
*Note*
Some public holidays in Qatar depend on lunar (Hijri) dates and may vary based on moon sighting.
Public Holidays in Qatar 2026 Detailed Breakdown
Below given is the detailed description of the Qatar public holidays in 2026.
• New Year’s Day (1 January 2026)
New Year’s Day is usually one of the public holidays in Qatar that marks the first day of the Gregorian year. While celebrations in Qatar are low-key, most residents enjoy community gatherings, outings, and retail festivities. It is also considered an opportunity for businesses to review annual planning, budgeting, and alignment with employee performance.
• National Sports Day (10 February 2026)
Qatar is one of the few countries in the world that declares a national holiday in Qatar specifically for sports and physical wellness. Nationals Sports Day, observed on the second Tuesday of February, invites residents to engage in different fitness events, outdoor activities, and athletic programs. To the HR manager, it enhances wellness culture and reinforces employee engagement.
• Eid Al Fitr (20–22 March 2026)
Eid Al Fitr signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The family gets together for prayer, feasting, Zakat, and celebration. Being one of the most important Islamic observances, it affords several days of holiday rest. For workplaces, this period often involves public holidays in Qatar with leave extensions, so forward planning helps to maintain coverage and continuity.
• Arafat Day (27 May 2026)
Arafat Day is a spiritual day and is observed a day before Eid al Adha. This public holidays in Qatar is of great religious significance when Muslims contemplate, pray, and worship in the most meaningful ways. It is a significant public holiday in Qatar, on which both government and private sectors usually come to a standstill.
• Eid al Adha (27–29 May 2026)
Also called the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al Adha is another national holiday in Qatar celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and submission to God. Families traditionally share meals and give to the poor. Many locals take time off or visit relatives during this time, so it is usually considered one of the major Qatar holidays. It is recommended that organizations plan for leave and coverage accordingly.
• Qatar National Day (18 December 2026)
Qatar National Day Holiday is celebrated every year to commemorate the founding and unity of the country. The entire nation is embellished with fireworks, parades, cultural programs, and patriotic displays that reflect national heritage and pride. Qatar national day holiday, beyond celebration, strengthens community connection and reinforces the identity and resilience of Qatar.
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Why these holidays matter for employers & HR teams
These public holidays in Qatar are much more than days off, since they impact workforce planning, scheduling, payroll processing, and employee engagement. HR departments should:
- Create leave calendars ahead of time
- Ensure payroll adjustments and holiday pay compliance
- Manage staffing and shift rotations
- Remain productive during peak holiday seasons
- Boost employee wellness and morale
The better the planning, the smoother the business operations — even during extended public holiday periods.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Qatar 2026 are a reflection of the country’s respect for its culture, adherence to religious tradition, and unity as a nation. Whether an employee looking forward to meaningful celebrations or an HR leader aligning operations with holiday schedules, being informed helps each to work in harmony and balance. Whether you need help with attendance, leave tracking, or workforce management, modern HR software solutions go a long way in simplifying such tasks, automating leave approvals, and keeping teams connected.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
In 2026, Qatar has approximately six major holidays: New Year’s Day, Sports Day, Eid holidays, and National Day. Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar, which may vary slightly based on moon sighting for the public holidays in Qatar.
Friday is not officially counted as public holidays in Qatar, but it is considered the principal weekly day of rest in Qatar. Most businesses and offices are closed or operated with reduced hours.
Eid al Adha is usually considered to be the most important Qatar public holiday with great religious and cultural significance. It brings days of national observance and family gathering.
Eid Al Fitr should fall around 20–22 March 2026, while Eid Al Adha should fall around 28–30 May 2026. These are tentative dates according to the lunar Hijri calendar for these national holiday in Qatar.
There are around six acknowledged non-working bank holiday in Qatar for the year 2026. However, this might vary slightly because of religious date adjustments along with Qatar government holidays.
Qatar National Day Holiday, observed on 18 December, marks the country’s unification in 1878 under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. It is a symbol of national identity, pride, and heritage.
