Qatar Public Holidays: Public Sector vs Private Sector
Which days are official holidays in Qatar, how the government's Eid holidays differ from the private sector's rights under the Labour Law, and what to check for the next holiday.
People searching for Qatar's public holidays often get one list, but two sets of rules apply. This guide separates the government's approved holidays from the Labour Law's holiday rights for workers, and it explains what to check each year. We read Gulf Times' report on the approved list and Article 78 on Al Meezan in September 2026.
Official holidays for ministries and public bodies
The Gulf Times reported on 19 May 2025 that the Amir approved the list of official holidays, published in the Official Gazette, for ministries, government agencies, and public bodies and institutions:
| Holiday | When |
|---|---|
| Eid Al-Fitr | From the 28th day of Ramadan to the end of the 4th day of Shawwal |
| Eid Al-Adha | From the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah to the end of the 13th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah |
| Qatar National Day | 18 December |
| National Sports Day | Second Tuesday of February |
The report adds that if a single working day falls between two official holidays, or between a holiday and a weekend, that day is also treated as a holiday. Because the Eid dates follow the Islamic calendar, their Gregorian dates change each year and are confirmed shortly beforehand.
Private sector workers: Article 78
Article 78 of Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, which we read on Al Meezan, entitles a worker each year to leave with full remuneration for:
- Three working days for Eid Al-Fitr.
- Three working days for Eid Al-Adha.
- One working day for Independence Day.
- Three working days to be specified by the employer.
The article says that if the work requires the worker to work during any of these days, Article 75 applies, meaning compensation and the higher payment for working on a rest day. See our Qatar labor law guide.
Why the two lists differ
Reports say the private sector holiday is announced separately from the government's, usually shortly beforehand, and that the private sector's Eid holiday can be shorter than the government's. The Labour Law names Independence Day, while the government list names National Day on 18 December. We did not find an official statement of how the two are reconciled for private employers, so ask your HR which days your company observes and whether it follows the government list.
Dates worth knowing
These are reported or calculated dates, so confirm them:
- Reports gave Tuesday 17 March to Monday 23 March 2026 for the government's Eid Al-Fitr holiday, and Tuesday 26 May to Saturday 30 May 2026 for Eid Al-Adha.
- Qatar National Day, 18 December 2026, falls on a Friday, which is normally the weekly rest day. We did not find an official statement of whether a substitute day is given, so watch the announcement.
- National Sports Day falls on the second Tuesday of February, which by our calculation is 9 February 2027.
- We did not find published dates for the 2027 Eids, which follow moon sighting.
What to check before you plan travel
This is our own practical advice.
- Ask HR whether your company follows the government holiday list or the Labour Law minimum.
- Do not book non-refundable travel until the holiday is announced.
- If you must work on a holiday, keep a record of the hours and check your pay against Article 75. See our guide to filing a labor complaint if you are not paid.
- Check opening hours for government services and banks, since they change around Eid.
Common mistakes
- Assuming private employers must give the same days as ministries.
- Booking flights before the holiday is announced.
- Forgetting that the working week and weekend are Sunday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday, which affects how many holiday days are actually extra.
What we could not verify
- The official decision number for the approved holiday list.
- How private sector days are reconciled with the government list each year.
- Whether a substitute day is given when National Day falls on a Friday.
- Dates of the 2027 Eid holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What are the official public holidays in Qatar?
For ministries and public bodies: Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, National Day on 18 December, and National Sports Day on the second Tuesday of February, according to a Gulf Times report on the approved list.
Do private sector employees get the same holidays as government staff?
Not necessarily. Article 78 of the Labour Law gives three working days for each Eid, one day for Independence Day, and three days specified by the employer.
How long is the Eid Al-Fitr holiday in Qatar?
For the public sector it runs from the 28th day of Ramadan to the end of the 4th day of Shawwal. Private sector workers are entitled to at least three working days under Article 78.
When is Qatar National Day in 2026?
18 December 2026, which is a Friday. We did not find an official statement on a substitute day.
Do I get paid extra if I work on a public holiday in Qatar?
Article 78 says Article 75 applies, meaning compensation and higher payment for working on a rest day. See our labor law guide for the wording.
Sources & references
Agha Ali Abbas
Founder & Editor
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