The countdown is officially on. Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar is set for Wednesday, May 27, and residents are looking at one of the longest holiday breaks of the year, running from Tuesday, May 26 to Saturday, May 30.
If you have been waiting to plan a getaway or a quiet staycation, this is the long weekend to circle on your calendar.
When is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar?
The Qatar Calendar House has confirmed the dates based on astronomical calculations:
- Monday, May 18, 2026: First day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026: Arafah Day (9th of Dhul Hijjah)
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Eid Al Adha Day 1 (10th of Dhul Hijjah)
- Through Saturday, May 30, 2026: End of the official holiday period
Dr Faisal Al Ansari, Executive Director of the Qatar Calendar House, confirmed via Qatar News Agency that the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was formed at 11:02pm Doha time on Saturday, May 16, but was not visible at sunset. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are all aligned on the same dates.
Qatar Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday: What to expect
Under Qatar’s public holiday law, the official Eid Al Adha break runs from the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah to the end of the 13th day. That means a five-day stretch from Tuesday, May 26 to Saturday, May 30 for most public sector workers.
Private sector employees typically get a three-day break, in line with previous years. Banking and financial institution employees will follow holiday dates set by the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank, usually announced closer to the date.
What is Eid Al Adha?
Eid Al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and also coincides with the completion of Hajj in Makkah.
In Qatar, families mark the occasion with Eid prayers at the mosque, the traditional sacrifice of livestock (usually sheep), and sharing the meat with relatives, neighbours, and those in need. It is a time built around charity, family visits, and togetherness.
How Doha celebrates Eid Al Adha
Expect the city to slow down on Eid morning, then come alive in the afternoon. Mosques fill up for early prayers, families gather for long lunches, and malls and restaurants stay busy through the evening.
If you are looking for things to do during the break, check our guide to the best brunches in Doha and family-friendly activities in Qatar. For travellers, this long weekend is also a popular window for short trips to Salalah, Muscat, and the Maldives.
FAQs about Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar
When is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Eid Al Adha 2026 falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
How many days is the Eid Al Adha holiday in Qatar 2026? The official public sector holiday runs from Tuesday, May 26 to Saturday, May 30, 2026. Private sector employees usually receive a three-day break.
What is Arafah Day 2026 in Qatar? Arafah Day falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the day before Eid Al Adha.
Will banks be open during Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Bank holiday dates are confirmed separately by the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank closer to the time.
Is the Eid Al Adha 2026 date confirmed in Qatar? Yes, the Qatar Calendar House has confirmed the dates based on astronomical calculations, with Eid Al Adha falling on May 27, 2026.
