The wait is over. Qatar’s Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday dates are now officially confirmed. The Amiri Diwan has announced the government sector holiday dates, and the Qatar Ministry of Labour has confirmed the private sector entitlement. If you have been wondering exactly how many days off you are getting this Eid, here is the full picture straight from the official sources.
Official Eid Al Adha 2026 Holiday Dates at a Glance
| Sector | Holiday Dates | Days Off | Returns to Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government / Public Sector | Tuesday May 26 to Saturday May 30 | 5 days | Sunday, May 31 |
| Private Sector | 3 working days with full pay | 3 days | As per employer |
| Banks and Financial Institutions | To be announced by QCB Governor | TBC | TBC |
Government and Public Sector: 5 Days Off (May 26 to 30)
The Amiri Diwan has issued the official announcement confirming the following for all ministries, other government agencies, authorities, and public institutions:
“The holiday begins on Tuesday, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to May 26, 2026, and ends on Saturday, the 13th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to May 30, 2026. Employees are to resume work on Sunday, the 14th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to May 31, 2026.”
Source: Amiri Diwan, State of Qatar | diwan.gov.qa
In plain terms:
- Holiday starts: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (9th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
- Holiday ends: Saturday, May 30, 2026 (13th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
- Return to work: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (14th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
That is five full consecutive days off for government employees, covering the Day of Arafat (May 26), Eid Al Adha Day 1 (May 27), and the three days of Tashreeq that follow.
This is in line with the public holiday framework approved under Qatar’s national holiday law. Weekends falling within the official holiday period are included in the count and no additional compensatory days are granted.
Want to stretch it further? Take Monday May 25 as annual leave and you get a six-day break starting from the weekend of May 23.
Private Sector: 3 Paid Days Off
The Qatar Ministry of Labour has officially confirmed that private sector employees are entitled to three days of paid leave for Eid Al Adha 2026, in accordance with Qatar Labour Law:
“Eid Al Adha Holiday for Private Sector Employees: 3 days’ leave with full pay. Should work requirements necessitate an employee working during the holiday, the provisions of Article 74 of the Labour Law shall apply.”
Ministry of Labour, State of Qatar | @MOLQTR | mol.gov.qa
Key points from the official announcement:
- Leave entitlement: 3 working days with full pay
- If required to work: The provisions of Article 74 of the Labour Law apply, meaning employees must be compensated appropriately
- Public holidays are not deducted from your annual leave balance under Qatar Labour Law
The exact three days that apply to your workplace will depend on your employer and the nature of your work. Most private sector businesses in Qatar observe the same core Eid days as the government, but the specific schedule can vary by company.
If you are required to work on a public holiday, you are entitled to either an alternative paid day off or your standard wage plus a minimum of 50 percent additional pay for the hours worked.
Banks and Financial Institutions: Dates Pending
The Amiri Diwan announcement states that for Qatar Central Bank, commercial banks, and financial institutions under the supervision of the Central Bank and the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, the holiday dates will be determined separately:
“The Governor of Qatar Central Bank will determine the start and end dates of the holiday.”
Amiri Diwan, State of Qatar | diwan.gov.qa
Keep an eye on official QCB communications for your specific schedule. In the meantime, customers should note that bank branches will be closed throughout the holiday period. ATMs and digital banking services will continue to operate normally throughout.
When Is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar?
Eid Al Adha 2026 falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The first day of Dhul Hijjah was confirmed as Monday, May 18, 2026, setting the full Eid calendar in place.
The Day of Arafat is Tuesday, May 26, the day before Eid itself, which is why the government holiday starts on that date rather than on Eid Day.
What Is Open and Closed During Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar?
Here is a quick reference for the long weekend:
Malls: Most major malls including Mall of Qatar, Doha Festival City, Villaggio, and City Center open at around 2 PM on May 27 (first day of Eid). From May 28 onwards they return to regular hours of 10 AM to midnight or 1 AM.
Supermarkets and shops: Open, though hours may be reduced on May 27. Check individual store timings.
Restaurants: Open, with most running special Eid brunches and dinners. Reservations fill up quickly so book ahead.
Banks: Closed throughout the public holiday. Reopening on Sunday, May 31. ATMs and digital banking remain available.
Pharmacies: 24-hour pharmacies remain open. Standard pharmacies may have reduced hours on May 27.
Government services: Closed from May 26 to May 30. Resuming May 31.
For everything happening across Doha during the long weekend, read our complete Eid Al Adha 2026 events guide.
Eid Al Adha 2026 Qatar: FAQs
When is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Eid Al Adha 2026 starts on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, which corresponds to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.
How many days is the Eid Al Adha holiday in Qatar 2026? Government employees get five days off from May 26 to May 30, returning on May 31. Private sector employees are entitled to three paid working days as per Qatar Labour Law.
What are the Eid Al Adha 2026 Qatar government holiday dates? The official government holiday runs from Tuesday, May 26 to Saturday, May 30. Employees return to work on Sunday, May 31.
How many days off do private sector employees get for Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Three days with full pay, as confirmed by the Qatar Ministry of Labour. If required to work, Article 74 of the Labour Law provides for additional compensation.
Is Eid Al Adha a paid holiday in Qatar for private sector workers? Yes. All three days are fully paid leave for private sector employees. These days are not deducted from your annual leave balance.
When do banks reopen after Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Bank holiday dates for 2026 are subject to a separate announcement from the Governor of Qatar Central Bank. ATMs and digital banking remain available throughout.
What happens if I have to work during Eid Al Adha in Qatar? Under Article 74 of the Qatar Labour Law, employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to compensation, either through an alternative paid day off or their standard wage plus at least 50 percent additional pay.
For more Doha lifestyle guides, event coverage, and expat resources, visit peopleandqatar.com.
