Public holidays in Qatar

Qatar observes several public holidays. The two weekend days are Friday and Saturday, similarly to other Islamic countries. Annual public holidays include:

Date	English name	Local (Arabic) name	Description
Second Tuesday in February	National Sports Day	اليوم الوطني للرياضة	A public holiday. Started in 2012.
18 December	Qatar National Day	اليوم الوطني لقطر	National Day of Qatar.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Shawwal	Eid al-Fitr	عيد الفطر	Commemorates end of Ramadan.
10th, 11th, 12th Zulhijjah	Eid al-Adha	عيد الأضحى	Commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Also known as the Big Feast (celebrated from the 10th to 13th).

Several holidays are celebrated by the government or banks as well.

Holidays

Ramadan

Onlookers gathered to watch to the Ramadan cannon at Souq Waqif

Ramadan, the ninth and most revered month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a period marked by fasting. Throughout this sacred time, adherents abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, demonstrating a commitment to self-discipline and devotion. In Qatar, the commencement and culmination of Ramadan are determined by the Moon Sighting Committee within the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. This committee observes the crescent moon, signaling both the conclusion of Ramadan and the onset of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast. The variability of lunar months, lasting between 29 to 30 days, underscores the dynamic nature of Ramadan's timing, with its start date shifting approximately ten days earlier each year.

Preceding the commencement of fasting, Qataris engage in preparatory rituals and communal gatherings, exemplified by the observance of Sha'ban, the month preceding Ramadan, with al naflah festivities. Families come together to share traditional meals, such as harees and tharid with neighbors and the less fortunate. During Ramadan, Qatar's cities are adorned with festive decorations and hosts several pre-fasting celebrations. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues hold special events and offer promotions.

The daily fast commences at sunrise, following the consumption of suhur, the pre-dawn meal designed to sustain individuals throughout the day. Iftar is the meal marking the fast's conclusion at sunset and typically begins with the consumption of dates. This is accompanied by the traditional firing of a Ramadan cannon, a practice steeped in historical significance. This tradition, continuing to this day in Qatar, is broadcast live on national television and can be observed at various locations such as Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village and Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. Post-iftar, the city bustles with activity as businesses and cultural venues reopen after daytime closures. Tarawih prayers are held in mosques following the evening prayer (Isha) to complete the recitation of the Qur'an by the conclusion of Ramadan.

Garangao

Garangao is a traditional celebration observed on the 15th night of Ramadan, marking its midpoint. Rooted in the Islamic calendar, the festival is derived from the Arabic word "garqaa," signifying a rattling or shaking motion. Celebrated throughout the Middle East, Garangao holds cultural and historical significance in the region. On Garangao night, children don colorful traditional attire and visit homes in their neighborhoods, singing traditional songs and receiving sweets and gifts from residents. This exchange symbolizes the spirit of generosity central to the holy month of Ramadan. The festival is also characterized by unique songs sung by children, invoking blessings for health and prosperity upon the youngest members of families. In contemporary times, Garangao has evolved into a larger-scale celebration, with public events organized in shopping malls, mosques, and cultural organizations.

Eid

Eid al-Adha prayer near Al Asmakh Mosque in old Doha

Eid festivities in Qatar hold a distinct place in the cultural tapestry, marking the culmination of significant dates in the Islamic lunar calendar. The two key holidays are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr, which means the "festivity of breaking the fast", unfurls on the initial day of the 10th month post-Ramadan. This event denotes the conclusion of fasting and promotes acts of philanthropy, with Qatari households graciously donating to various causes. This nationwide holiday witnesses day-time closures of educational institutions, offices, and commercial establishments. Lively exhibitions and participatory happenings take place at shopping centers and public arenas. Applying henna is customary for Qatari women during Eid al-Fitr.

Eid al-Adha, known as the "celebration of sacrifice", aligns with the conclusion of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. This solemn event, observed on the 10th day of the ultimate lunar month, commemorates the narrative of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrificial act. Families convene for prayers and feasts, echoing the essence of unity and devotion portrayed in the Quranic narrative. Traditional customs entail the dispensation of meat from sacrificial beasts to kinfolk and the underprivileged.

Throughout Eid festivities, children eagerly traverse neighborhoods, exuberantly exchanging greetings and collecting their "Eidiyah" – a customary monetary gift. This treasured practice heightens the festive ambiance as youngsters recite folk songs and phrases while going door to door. Eid salutations like "Eid Mubarak" and "Eid Saeed" impart blessings and joy, while "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair" extends wishes for robust health and prosperity.

Qatar National Day

Qatar National Day, also known as Founders Day, celebrates the day that Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father, Mohammed bin Thani as ruler of the Qatari Peninsula and unified the tribes. He also earned a considerable degree of autonomy for the tribes of the peninsula. In anticipation of National Day, Qataris adorn their vehicles and homes with national symbols. The day is marked by various activities and events. The National Day's significance is further emphasized through annual slogans derived from the poems of Sheikh Jassim.

Celebrations culminate in a grand parade along the Corniche, featuring military displays, cultural performances, and aerial shows. Daytime fireworks and evening displays illuminate the sky, accompanied by Qatari heritage music. Additional festivities, including classic car displays and children's activities, take place on the Doha Corniche, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village.

National Sports Day

Qatar's National Sports Day, observed every second Tuesday of February, features a variety of activities promoting fitness and well-being. With the inaugural edition taking place in 2012, this event promotes sports on a local level and advocates for a healthier lifestyle among residents and visitors alike. It stands as a recognized national holiday in Qatar.

External links

• Information on public holidays from Qatar Ministry of Interior