2026 Holidays - Qatar

Public Holiday Observance Rules in Qatar

1. Official Public Holidays

According to Article 78 of the Qatar Labor Law, employees are entitled to the following paid public holidays:

• Eid al-Fitr: 3 working days
• Eid al-Adha: 3 working days
• National Day: 1 working day
• National Sports Day: 1 working day

The specific dates for these holidays vary each year, especially for Islamic holidays, which are based on the lunar calendar. Employers are required to provide full pay to employees during these official holidays. Source

2. Work on Public Holidays

If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, the employer must compensate the employee with:

• Alternative Rest Day: An additional day off in lieu of the holiday worked.
• Overtime Pay: If granting an alternative rest day is not feasible, the employee is entitled to overtime pay, typically calculated at a higher rate as specified by the labor law.

This ensures that employees receive adequate compensation or rest when working during official holidays.

3. Holidays Falling on Weekends

In Qatar, the weekend comprises Friday and Saturday. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, the government may announce an alternative day off during the workweek. However, this is not guaranteed and is subject to official declarations each year. Employers should stay informed about such announcements to ensure compliance.

4. Observance by Sectors

Public Sector: Government offices and institutions observe all official public holidays, closing operations during these periods.

Private Sector: Private companies are also required to observe official public holidays. If business needs necessitate working on a holiday, employers must adhere to the compensation rules outlined above.

5. Additional Observance Rules

Employers should be aware of the following:

• Notification: Employers must inform employees in advance if they are required to work on a public holiday.
• Collective Agreements: Any collective labor agreements in place may stipulate additional provisions regarding holiday observance and compensation, which must be honored.

It is essential for both employers and employees in Qatar to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure lawful and fair observance of public holidays.