Ramadan Rules in Qatar: Eating in Public, Working Hours and What Is Open

Ramadan changes daily life in Qatar for everyone, Muslim or not. New arrivals and visitors often worry about what is allowed. This guide covers the rules people ask about most: public eating, work hours, restaurants, alcohol, driving and dress. We used a Marhaba guide dated 21 February 2026, Doha News guides, and our own reading of the Labour Law in our guides on hours and holidays. The Penal Code text could not be read, so the penalty is reported. It is general information, not legal advice.

Can you eat or drink in public during Ramadan?

Marhaba says it is illegal to eat or drink in public from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, citing Article 267 of the Penal Code (Law No. 11 of 2004), with imprisonment of up to 3 months and or a fine of up to QAR 3,000. Doha News has said that in practice people are usually warned. The rule covers chewing gum, and smoking in public is also discouraged by day. Non-Muslims are expected to follow the public rule too. Sources describe exceptions in private, and for people who are ill, pregnant or otherwise not fasting, but the practical advice is to eat and drink out of public view. Avoiding eating in front of fasting colleagues is described as respect, not law.

What happens to working hours?

The two sources do not agree, and the Marhaba wording is unclear. We rely on the law, which says 6 hours a day and 36 a week for private sector workers. Extra hours are overtime. See overtime pay and working hours in Qatar. Marhaba lists health care, Hamad International Airport and the Qatar Financial Centre as exceptions. If your employer makes you work full hours without overtime, see labour disputes.

What is open during the day?

• **Restaurants:** mostly closed by day, apart from some hotel outlets. Some open about an hour before sunset for takeaway. All open after iftar.
• **Shops and malls:** hours change. Many close in the afternoon and reopen after iftar, often staying open past midnight. Call ahead.
• **Supermarkets:** the busiest time is from noon until iftar.
• **Government offices:** shorter hours. Check before you go, and use Metrash for what you can do online.

Alcohol and nightlife

Marhaba says bars, lounges and clubs close during Ramadan, and the drinks distribution centre is closed. Alcohol is banned for Muslims at all times. See alcohol permits in Qatar.

Driving at iftar time

The hour before sunset is rush hour. Take care, avoid rushing and carry water or dates if you will be on the road. Traffic rules still apply: see the points system and checking fines.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly, more so than usual. Avoid public displays of affection and swearing. See the dress code in Qatar. Music in public may be toned down, but we found no rule about it.

Holidays after Ramadan

Eid Al-Fitr runs from the 28th day of Ramadan to the 4th day of Shawwal for the public sector, and private sector workers are entitled to at least three working days. See public holidays in Qatar and weekly rest and holidays in the private sector. Dates depend on the moon sighting, so we do not give calendar dates here.

A simple plan for visitors and new residents

1. Drink and eat before you leave your hotel or home, or in a private room.

2. Plan restaurant meals for after sunset.

3. Dress modestly.

4. Avoid errands near iftar.

5. Be patient. Offices are slower.

What we could not verify

• The Penal Code text and how often the public eating rule is enforced against non-Muslims.
• The Marhaba working hours claim of a 30 hour week.
• The Ramadan dates for next year, which depend on moon sighting.