Public holidays in Qatar
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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.[1] |
| 18 December | Qatar National Day | اليوم الوطني لقطر | National Day of Qatar.[2][3] |
| 1st, 2nd, 3rd Shawwal | Eid al-Fitr | عيد الفطر | Commemorates end of Ramadan.[2][3] |
| 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).[2][3] |
Several holidays are celebrated by the government or banks as well.[2] In 2009, Cabinet Decision No. 33 was passed by the Emir, decreeing the first Sunday in March as an official holiday for all financial institutions in Qatar.[4]
Holidays[edit]
Ramadan[edit]
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.[5]
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.[5]
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.[5]
Garangao[edit]
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.[6]
Eid[edit]
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.[7] Applying henna is customary for Qatari women during Eid al-Fitr.[8] The inaugural Eid Al-Fitr Festival, organized by Qatar Tourism, was launched on 4 May 2022 and lasted for three days. Celebrations were held on the Doha Corniche featuring performances from Qatari and Arab musicians. It is estimated that about 10,000 to 15,000 spectators attended the festivities each day.[9]
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.[7]
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.[7]
Qatar National Day[edit]
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.[10] 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.[11]
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.[10]
Darb Al Saai[edit]
The Darb Al Saai festival, organized by Qatar's Ministry of Culture, is held annually in early December. The event runs daily for several days until the commencement of Qatar National Day on December 18th and aims to showcase the nation's cultural heritage and national identity. The name translates to "route of the messenger" in Arabic, and is related to the path taken by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani's messengers relaying his directives.[12]
Activities include the ceremonial flag-raising at Flag Square, accompanied by military performances and displays, including horse and camel-mounted contingents, and local musicians' live performances of sea music. The event also features exhibitions that delve into Qatar's past ways of life, traditional crafts, and folklore. Workshops offer hands-on experiences in wool weaving, tent fabric-making, bird photography, and creative activities for all ages.[13] Educational workshops are also offered for both children and adults, such as Al Shaqab's seminar on Arabian horses at the 2023 edition, and the Ministry of Culture's workshops on falconry and camel riding.[14]
Spanning a 150,000 square-meter area in Umm Salal Mohammed (as of 2022), the venue's unique design blends traditional Qatari architecture with modern elements. Three arterial roads provide access to the venue, as well as the Doha Metro's Green Line.[13] Prior to being relocated to Umm Salal Mohammed, the festival was held in the Al Sadd district of Doha.[15] Several commercial establishments are found at Darb Al Saai Market, all with traditional names and selling local souvenirs, clothing and cuisine, including several cafés offering Arabic coffee.[16]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition of the Darb Al Saai was canceled.[12] The 2021 edition was also canceled as the new primary venue for festivities in Umm Salal Mohammed would not be ready until 2022. Instead, several small-scall activities preceding Qatar National Day at multiple venues were planned for that year.[17]
National Sports Day[edit]
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.[18]
The establishment of Qatar's Sports Day distinguishes the country as one of the few to allocate a day solely dedicated to sports. The closure of educational facilities, offices, and commercial establishments on this occasion fosters widespread participation in physical endeavors. Various events catering to individuals of all ages and abilities take place at venues such as Education City, Aspire Park, and the Doha Corniche. In collaboration with the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the day features an array of activities, including races, yoga, golf, team sports, and educational workshops, complemented by appearances from renowned sports personalities.[18]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Official holiday as Qatar marks National Sports Day". Gulf News. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Qatar Public Holidays 2011". Q++ Studio. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
- ^ a b c d "Qatar Public Holidays". AME info. Archived from the original on 2009-11-15.
- ^ "Qatar Central Bank announces Sunday Mar. 3 banks holiday". Gulf Times. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "Ramadan traditions in Qatar". Visit Qatar. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Fatemeh Salari (20 March 2024). "What is Garangao and where to celebrate it in Qatar". Doha News. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ a b c "Eid traditions in Qatar". Visit Qatar. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Hazar Kilani (22 August 2023). "Tracing the evolution of Eid Henna: From ornate traditions to chic minimalism". Doha News. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Gichuki, Catherine W. (4 May 2022). "Eid Festival kicks off in grand style". Qatar Tribune. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Everything you need to know about Qatar National Day 2012". Doha News. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- ^ "Qatar National Day". Visit Qatar. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ a b "No Darb Al Saai activities for Qatar National Day 2020". The Peninsula Qatar. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Darb Al Saai opens, reviving Qatari traditions, heritage". Gulf Times. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Kilani, Hazar (12 December 2023). "Here's what's happening at Darb Al Saai 2023". Doha News. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ Kammutty VP (22 December 2012). "Darb El Saai: A glimpse into the past". The Peninsula Qatar. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Darb Al-Saai, the distinguished destination for visitors". Ministry of Culture (Qatar). 27 November 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Darb Al Saai activities cancelled for Qatar National Day 2021". The Peninsula Qatar. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Qatar National Sports Day 2024". Visit Qatar. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
