Eid Al Adha is the holier of the two Islamic Eids, and in Qatar it brings one of the longest public holidays of the year. Whether you are a long-term resident, a new expat in Doha, or someone visiting Qatar for the first time during the holiday, this is your complete guide to Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar.
Here is everything you need to know, all in one place.
When Is Eid Al Adha 2026 In Qatar?
Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar begins on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, corresponding to 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar.
This has been confirmed by Qatar Calendar House based on astronomical calculations. The first day of Dhu al-Hijjah falls on Monday, 18 May 2026, which sets the countdown to one of the most significant occasions in Islam.
As always, the final dates are subject to the official moon sighting, which is confirmed by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan a day or two before the holiday.
Eid Al Adha 2026 Holiday Dates In Qatar
The five-day public holiday in Qatar runs as follows.
- Tuesday, 26 May 2026: Arafah Day (Waqfa)
- Wednesday, 27 May 2026: Eid Al Adha Day 1
- Thursday, 28 May 2026: Eid Al Adha Day 2
- Friday, 29 May 2026: Eid Al Adha Day 3
- Saturday, 30 May 2026: Eid Al Adha Day 4
For government employees and most public sector workers, this is a five-day continuous break with no annual leave needed. Take Monday 25 May off and you stretch it to six days. Add the weekend before and after, and the most strategic planners are looking at up to nine days off.
Private sector employees typically receive three to four days off depending on their company policy. Banks and financial institutions follow the schedule set by the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank.
What Is Eid Al Adha?
Eid Al Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice or Al Eid Al Kabeer (The Grand Eid), is one of the two major Islamic festivals. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. Before the sacrifice took place, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and coincides with the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
In Qatar, Eid Al Adha is a time of prayer, family, charity, and community. Most residents spend the holiday with family, attend Eid prayers, perform Qurbani (the ritual animal sacrifice), share meals, and exchange gifts and Eidiya with children.
Eid Al Adha 2026 Prayer Times In Qatar
Eid Al Adha prayer is held shortly after sunrise on the morning of Eid Day 1, which is Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
Based on late-May sunrise times in Doha (around 4:48 AM) and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) standard of holding Eid prayers approximately 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise, the expected Eid Al Adha prayer time in Doha is between 5:05 AM and 5:15 AM.
The official prayer time will be confirmed by the Ministry of Awqaf on the evening of Arafah Day (Tuesday, 26 May 2026). Keep an eye on their announcements or check the Awqaf website at islam.gov.qa for the final timing.
Where To Attend Eid Prayer In Qatar
Eid prayers are held at hundreds of designated mosques and open-air prayer grounds (musallahs) across Qatar. The Ministry of Awqaf usually announces around 700 designated locations, including mosques with dedicated prayer areas for women.
Major mosques and prayer locations in Doha include:
- Education City Mosque
- Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque (the Grand Mosque, Doha)
- Abdulla Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar)
- Katara Mosque
- Mosques across Souq Waqif and West Bay
- Open-air musallahs in residential areas across Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Khor, and Al Wakra
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to find a good spot, as mosques fill up quickly. Women and children are welcome at most designated locations.
What Is Arafah Day (Waqfa) And Why It Matters
Arafah Day, also known as Yawm Arafah or Waqfa, falls on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH). It is the day before Eid Al Adha begins and one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar.
On this day, pilgrims performing Hajj gather at Mount Arafat near Mecca for the most important ritual of the pilgrimage. For Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting on Arafah Day is highly recommended (Sunnah). According to a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the year to come.
In Qatar, Arafah Day is a public holiday. Most residents spend it in prayer, quiet reflection, and family time. The city tends to be calm, and major events usually start from Wednesday onwards.
Qurbani In Qatar: How To Arrange It
Qurbani is the ritual sacrifice of an animal during Eid Al Adha and is obligatory for Muslims who meet the financial threshold. The sacrifice can be performed on the first three days of Eid (27, 28, or 29 May 2026).
The meat is traditionally divided into three equal parts:
- One-third for the family
- One-third for relatives and friends
- One-third for those in need
In Qatar, Qurbani can be arranged through:
- Authorised slaughterhouses such as the central abattoir in Industrial Area
- Local mosques that coordinate group Qurbani arrangements
- Charitable organisations including Qatar Charity, Sheikh Eid Charity Foundation, and Qatar Red Crescent
- Online services such as Muslim Pro and Qatar Charity’s online Qurbani portal, which let you nominate the meat for countries in need
Online Qurbani is increasingly popular among residents who prefer to direct their sacrifice to communities facing food insecurity overseas.
How Eid Al Adha Is Celebrated In Qatar
Eid Al Adha celebrations in Qatar combine deep tradition with vibrant modern festivities.
Morning of Eid Day 1: The day begins with Fajr prayer, followed by Eid prayer at the mosque shortly after sunrise. Many families wear new traditional clothing – thobes for men and abayas or traditional dresses for women and children.
Family visits and gatherings: After prayer, families gather for breakfast together. Throughout the day, relatives visit each other, exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” and share large lunches centred around lamb, rice dishes like machboos and harees, and traditional sweets.
Eidiya for children: Kids receive Eidiya, which is small cash gifts from elders. This is one of the most loved traditions for younger family members.
Public celebrations: The Pearl-Qatar, Gewan Island, Doha Corniche, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Aspire Park, and Old Doha Port host free family-friendly Eid events including fireworks, live shows, kids activities, and entertainment across all five days of the holiday.
Travel: Eid Al Adha is one of the biggest travel weeks of the year from Qatar, with residents heading to destinations like Istanbul, Baku, Tbilisi, the Maldives, Salalah, and Europe.
Are Shops, Malls, And Restaurants Open During Eid Al Adha?
Yes, but timings shift.
Malls: Most malls including Mall of Qatar, Doha Festival City, Place Vendome, Villaggio, Landmark, and City Center open around 2 PM on Eid Day 1 (Wednesday 27 May), then return to standard hours from Thursday onwards, usually 10 AM to midnight or 1 AM. Many run extended Eid hours and special events throughout the holiday.
Restaurants: Most restaurants stay open with standard timings, though some independent and smaller spots may close on Eid Day 1 morning. Hotel restaurants run special Eid brunches and buffet packages.
Supermarkets: Carrefour, Lulu, Spar, and Monoprix all stay open through the holiday with mostly normal hours. Some smaller branches may have shortened timings on Eid Day 1.
Banks: Closed throughout the official public holiday. Digital banking, ATMs, and online services remain fully operational. Normal banking resumes on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Government offices: Closed for the full five-day holiday.
Top Things To Do During Eid Al Adha 2026 In Qatar
A quick snapshot of the biggest events worth planning around.
- Eid celebrations at The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Island: Free family-friendly programme running 26 to 30 May with kids activities, live shows, and roaming entertainment
- Torba Market on the Bridge at Qanat Quartier: Free pop-up market with 20-plus curated stalls on 28, 29, and 30 May, 5 PM to 9 PM
- SFA Eid Run 2026 at Old Doha Port: Free family race night on 28 May with categories for adults, juniors, and kids
- Lucky Ali Live at QNCC: One-night concert on 29 May featuring the legendary Indian singer
- Sneaker Con Doha at DECC: First-time sneaker show in Qatar, 29 to 31 May
- Fontana Circus at Hyatt Plaza: Water circus running until 31 May
- Eid fireworks
For a full breakdown of every event happening during the long weekend, check our complete guide to things to do during Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar.
Weather In Doha During Eid Al Adha 2026
Late May in Doha sits at the start of summer.
- Daytime highs: 38 to 42 degrees Celsius
- Evening lows: 30 to 33 degrees Celsius
- Humidity: Moderate to high, building through the week
- Sunrise: Around 4:48 AM
- Sunset: Around 6:30 PM
Plan outdoor activities for early morning or after sunset. Indoor venues, malls, museums, and air-conditioned attractions are your best bets for the middle of the day. Pack sunscreen, light clothing, and a refillable water bottle if you are spending time outdoors.
Eid Al Adha Vs Eid Al Fitr: What Is The Difference?
Both are major Islamic festivals, but they mark different things.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal and is sometimes called the Small Eid or Eid Al Saghir.
Eid Al Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and coincides with the completion of Hajj. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and is called the Grand Eid or Al Eid Al Kabeer because it is considered the holier of the two Eids.
Eid Al Fitr involves Zakat Al Fitr charity given before the Eid prayer. Eid Al Adha involves Qurbani, the ritual animal sacrifice.
Eid Mubarak: How To Greet People During Eid Al Adha
The most common greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). You can also say:
- Eid Saeed (Happy Eid)
- Eid Adha Mubarak (Blessed Eid Al Adha)
- Kul aam wa antum bi khair (May every year find you in good health)
The traditional reply to Eid Mubarak is “Khair Mubarak” or simply repeating “Eid Mubarak” back. Expats and visitors are warmly welcomed into the spirit of the greeting – Qataris and residents alike appreciate the gesture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Eid Al Adha 2026 begins on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH).
How many days off is Eid Al Adha in Qatar? Government employees get five days off (26 to 30 May). Private sector employees typically receive three to four days depending on company policy.
What time is Eid Al Adha prayer in Doha? Expected around 5:05 to 5:15 AM in Doha. The official time will be announced by the Ministry of Awqaf on the evening of Arafah Day (26 May).
Are malls open on Eid in Qatar? Yes. Most malls open around 2 PM on Eid Day 1, then run normal hours (10 AM to midnight or 1 AM) through the rest of the holiday.
Are banks open during Eid Al Adha? No. Banks are closed throughout the public holiday. Digital banking and ATMs work as normal. Banks reopen on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Can non-Muslims attend Eid prayers in Qatar? Eid prayers are open to Muslims. Non-Muslims are welcome at the broader Eid celebrations across The Pearl, Katara, Souq Waqif, and other public venues.
What is Arafah Day? Arafah Day is the day before Eid Al Adha. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday, 26 May. It is a public holiday in Qatar, and many Muslims fast on this day, which is considered highly virtuous.
Is Qurbani mandatory during Eid Al Adha? Qurbani is obligatory for Muslims who meet the financial threshold (nisab). It can be performed on the first three days of Eid (27, 28, or 29 May 2026).
Eid Mubarak from everyone at People & Qatar. May your Eid be filled with peace, family, and good moments.
