Qatar observes several public holidays. The two weekend days are Friday and Saturday, similarly to other Islamic countries. Annual public holidays include:
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]
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 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 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, 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
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
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]
Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; this does not always fall on the same Gregorian day, as the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world. The day is also called "Lesser Eid", or simply Eid.
The music of Qatar is based on sea folk poetry, song and dance. The historical importance of pearl fishing have deeply resonated within the region's artistic expression, manifesting in melodies, tunes, and dances that reflect the enduring bond between humanity and the sea. Traditional dances in Doha are performed on Friday afternoons; one such dance is the Ardah, a stylized martial dance performed by two rows of dancers who are accompanied by an array of percussion instruments, including al-ras, mirwas and cymbals with small drums. Other folk instruments include the oud and rebaba, both string instruments, as well as the ney and sirttai, which are types of flutes.
Chaand Raat is a South Asian Cultural observance on the eve of the festival of Eid al-Fitr; it can also mean a night with a new moon for the new Islamic month Shawwal. Chaand Raat is a time of celebration when families and friends gather in open areas at the end of the last day of Ramadan to spot the new moon, which signals the arrival of the Islamic month of Shawwal and the day of Eid. Once the moon is sighted, people wish each other Eid Mubarak. Women and girls decorate their hands with mehndi (henna), and people prepare desserts for the next day of Eid and do last rounds of shopping. City streets have a festive look, and brightly decorated malls and markets remain open late into the night. Chaand Raat is celebrated festively and passionately by Muslims all over South Asia, and in socio-cultural significance, is comparable to Christmas Eve.
There are two official holidays in Islam that are celebrated by Muslims worldwide: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The timing of both holidays are set by the lunar Islamic calendar, which is based upon the cycle of the moon, and so is different from the more common, European, solar-based Gregorian calendar. Every year, the Gregorian dates of the Islamic holidays change.
Eid prayers, also referred to as Salat al-Eid, are holy holiday prayers in the Islamic tradition. The literal translation of the word "Eid" in Arabic is "festival" or "feast" and is a time when Muslims congregate with family and the larger Muslim community to celebrate.
Jumu'atul-Wida is the last Friday in the month of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr. This is a holy day for Muslims.
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is located close to Doha Corniche and is a prominent landmark in the city.
Qatar is a Muslim-majority country with Islam as the state religion. Salafi version of Islam is the state sponsored brand of Sunni Islam in the country, making Qatar one of the two Salafi states in the Muslim world, along with Saudi Arabia.
Umm Salal Mohammed is a town in the municipality of Umm Salal in Qatar. The town has numerous farms, wells and a large water reservoir which is filled during the rainy season.
Lists of holidays by various categorizations.
Al Khor is a coastal city in northeast Qatar, located 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of the capital Doha. Considered one of Qatar's largest cities, it is the capital city of the municipality of Al Khor and Al Thakhira. Dating back to the 18th century, it is one of Qatar's oldest settlements. The name of the city, meaning creek in Arabic, emerged because the original settlement was built on a creek. Until the mid-1900s, it was known as Khor Al Shaqiq.
The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa, and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. The peninsula's harsh climate has historically shaped the lifestyle of its inhabitants, driving a reliance on the sea for sustenance and fostering a distinct emphasis on maritime activities within local culture. Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities. Qatari folklore and music best enshrine the state's marine tradition, with pearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional Qatari myths like Mai and Ghilân being centered around the sea.
The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for seven kilometres (4.3 mi) along the crescent-shaped Doha Bay in Qatar's capital city, Doha. Annual celebrations of national holidays such as Qatar National Day and National Sports Day are centered on the Doha Corniche. It is a popular tourist and leisure attraction within Qatar.
Al Sadd is a neighborhood of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. As one of the country's oldest surviving mixed-use districts, the neighborhood is home to hundreds of families and residences, and several malls are also found in this vast neighborhood such as the Centrepoint Mall, Lulu Centre and Royal Plaza. The football team Al-Sadd and the Al-Sadd Sports Complex are located here. Rumeilah Hospital and The Children's Hospital are also based in the district.
Qatar National Day is a national commemoration of Qatar's unification in 1878. It is celebrated annually on 18 December. The holiday was established by a 21 June 2007 decree of the then Crown Prince and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. It is also known as Founder's Day.
Al Koot Fort most commonly known as the Doha Fort, is a historical military fortress located in the heart of Doha, Qatar's capital city. It was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, better known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 until 1949, after Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh Abdullah's brother, abdicated in favor of him. The fort was later converted into a museum.
Eid in the Square is an annual Muslim festival held the first Saturday after the Islamic religious holiday of Eid al-Fitr at Trafalgar Square in Westminster, London, England. The event has grown to become one of the key cultural highlights of London's events calendar and sees attendances of over 25,000.
Qatar National Theater is located on the Doha Corniche, near Al Rumaila Garden in Doha, Qatar. The 490-seat theatre opened in 1986 and hosts concerts and plays. In addition to hosting local troupes, it also hosts international and Arab theatrical troupes on occasion.
The National Day Parade in Qatar is held annually on the occasion of Qatar National Day on 18 December. The holiday was established on 21 June 2007 by decree of the then Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The primary participants in the parade come from the Qatar Armed Forces, the Internal Security Force, the Ministry of Interior, and Amiri Guard. So far, there have been 12 editions of the parade. The parade goes through the Doha Corniche as well as between the Qatar National Theater and the Emiri Diwan.
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