Public Holidays, Weekends in Qatar, and Leave Types in Qatar: A Complete Guide 2025

25-12-2024

Qatar, known for its rapid growth and modern development, is home to a mix of diverse cultures and business opportunities. With a booming economy, Qatar has become an important hub for professionals and workers from around the globe. One crucial aspect of life in Qatar that every employee and employer must understand is the system of public holidays in Qatar, weekends in Qatar, Weekdays in Qatar and leave types governed by the Qatari Labour Law. Whether you're an employee in the private sector, public sector, or an employer managing a team, knowing the details about holidays in Qatar and the associated leave entitlements is essential for a smooth work-life balance.

In this blog, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the public holidays in Qatar, weekends in Qatar, and various leave types in Qatar. This guide will help employees and employers stay informed, understand their rights and responsibilities, and plan their schedules accordingly.

Public Holidays in Qatar: A Detailed Overview

Public holidays in Qatar are typically observed nationwide, and businesses are required to comply with the guidelines provided by the Qatari Labour Law. Some holidays are fixed, while others are dependent on the Islamic lunar calendar, making their dates change every year.

1. National Day (December 18)

National Day in Qatar is one of the most significant public holidays. Celebrated every year on December 18, it marks Qatar’s unification under the leadership of its founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. National Day is filled with celebrations such as parades, fireworks, and displays of Qatar's heritage. Government offices and most private businesses close for the day, allowing citizens to take part in the celebrations.

Date: December 18
Duration: 1 day

2. Eid Al-Fitr (Date Varies)

Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This holiday is celebrated by Muslims around the world, and in Qatar, it is one of the most important religious celebrations. Eid lasts for 2-3 days and involves family gatherings, feasts, and charity work. As it is based on the lunar calendar, the exact dates vary each year.

Date: Varies (depends on the moon sighting)
Duration: 2-3 days

3. Eid Al-Adha (Date Varies)

Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. Like Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha is based on the lunar calendar, and its dates fluctuate each year. This holiday usually lasts for 3-4 days, and during this time, government offices and businesses close.

Date: Varies (depends on the moon sighting)
Duration: 3-4 days

4. Islamic New Year (Date Varies)

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the start of the new year according to the Islamic lunar calendar. While this is not a widely celebrated holiday in Qatar, it is still an official public holiday, and employees are generally given the day off. Like other Islamic holidays, the exact date changes annually based on the moon’s sighting.

1. Date: Varies (depends on the moon sighting)
2. Duration: 1 day

5. Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) (Date Varies)

Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, is another religious holiday observed by Muslims. While this holiday is observed in many Islamic countries, the date can vary each year, as it is also based on the lunar calendar. On this day, people attend prayers, reflect on the life of Prophet Muhammad, and engage in charitable activities.

1. Date: Varies (depends on the moon sighting)
2. Duration: 1 day

6. Qatar Sports Day

Details: Qatar Sports Day is dedicated to promoting physical fitness and well-being. It’s celebrated with a variety of sports activities, public events, and physical exercises across the country. The holiday encourages people to engage in sports and healthy lifestyles.

1. Date: February 11, 2025
2. Duration: 1 day

Weekends in Qatar: Understanding the Work Week in Qatar

Weekends in Qatar are like other Middle Eastern countries, falling on Friday and Saturday, and are important for employees to relax and recharge. The working week in Qatar generally runs from Sunday to Thursday.

1. Friday – The Islamic Holy Day

Friday is the most important day of the week in Qatar because it is considered a holy day for Muslims. Many businesses open later on Friday to accommodate Jumu'ah prayers, which occur around midday. As a result, employees typically work a shorter day on Fridays, with most offices and businesses opening in the afternoon.

2. Saturday – The Weekend Day

Saturday is the second day of the weekend in Qatar, and most employees have a full day off. However, some businesses may open on Saturdays, particularly in retail, hospitality, and other service-oriented sectors. The Qatari Labour Law requires that employees working on weekends should be compensated with overtime or alternative time off.

Leave Types in Qatar: What Employees Need to Know

Apart from public holidays and weekends, employees in Qatar are also entitled to various types of leave as per the Qatari Labour Law. Here is a breakdown of the different types of leave available to employees.

1. Annual Leave

Under the Qatari Labour Law, employees are entitled to annual paid leave. For employees working for a period of one year or more, the standard annual leave entitlement is 3 weeks (21 days) per year. Employees can accumulate their unused leave and carry it forward to the next year, but it cannot exceed a year’s worth of entitlement.

1. Entitlement: 21 days for employees working for one year
2. Accrual: Leave is accrued monthly, and unused leave can be carried forward, subject to employer approval.

2. Sick Leave in Qatar

Employees are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The Qatari Labour Law provides 15 days of sick leave with full pay, followed by 30 days of sick leave at half pay. After these periods, if the employee is still unfit for work, the employer may choose to terminate the contract or grant additional unpaid sick leave.

1. Entitlement: 15 days at full pay, 30 days at half pay

3. Maternity Leave

Female employees in Qatar are entitled to maternity leave of 50 days, which is provided at full pay. This leave can be taken before or after childbirth, depending on the employee’s needs. Maternity leave is granted for every pregnancy.

1. Entitlement: 50 days of maternity leave at full pay

4. Paternity Leave

Paternity leave in Qatar is granted to male employees upon the birth of their child. The Qatari Labour Law entitles fathers to 3 days of paid paternity leave, which can be taken shortly after the child’s birth.

1. Entitlement: 3 days of paternity leave at full pay

5. Hajj Leave

Employees who are eligible to go for Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, are entitled to 15 days of leave. This leave is granted once in a lifetime and is usually given to employees who meet the criteria set by the employer.

1. Entitlement: 15 days of Hajj leave (once in a lifetime)

6. Emergency Leave

In certain situations, employees may need to take emergency leave due to unforeseen circumstances like family emergencies, accidents, or other urgent matters. While emergency leave is not specifically outlined in the Qatari Labour Law, employees are encouraged to inform their employer as soon as possible and provide appropriate documentation to justify the leave.

1. Entitlement: Discretionary, depends on employer’s policy

Key Points to Remember About Leave in Qatar

1. Public holidays are provided to all employees in Qatar as mandated by the Qatari Labour Law.
2. Annual leave is typically 21 days per year for employees who have completed one year of service.
3. Employees are entitled to sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, and Hajj leave, all of which are protected by Qatar’s labor laws.
4. The weekend in Qatar falls on Friday and Saturday, with Friday being a holy day for prayers.
5. Employers should ensure they comply with Labour Law regulations regarding public holidays and leave types to avoid disputes.

Qatar Holiday Dates in 2025

1. New Year’s Day
   Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
   Duration: 1 day
   Details: Celebrates the start of the Gregorian calendar year. While not as widely celebrated as some Islamic holidays, it remains a public holiday.
2. National Sports Day
   Date: February 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
   Duration: 1 day
   Details: Dedicated to promoting physical fitness and well-being, celebrated with various sports activities and public events across the country.
   TIME AND DATE
3. Eid al-Fitr
   Date: Evening of Sat, Mar 29, 2025 – Sun, Mar 30, 2025
   Public holiday: Mon, Mar 31, 2025 - Wed, Apr 2, 2025 · Dates may vary
   Duration: 3 days (March 31 to April 2)
   Details: Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This holiday involves family gatherings, prayers, and charity.
   TIME AND DATE
4. Eid al-Adha
   Date: Evening of Fri, Jun 6, 2025 – Tue, Jun 10, 2025
   Duration: 4 days (June 5 to June 8)
   Details: Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, this holiday honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage.
5. Islamic New Year
   Date: Evening of Wed, Jun 25, 2025 – Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Tentative, based on lunar calendar
   Duration: 1 day
   Details: Marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year. This is not a widely celebrated holiday in Qatar but remains an official public holiday.
6. Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)
   Date: Evening of Thu, Sep 4, 2025 – Fri, Sep 5, 2025
   Dates may vary
   Duration: 1 day
   Details: Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This holiday involves prayers, reflections on the life of Prophet Muhammad, and charitable acts.
7. National Day
   Date: December 18, 2025 (Thursday)
   Duration: 1 day
   Details: Celebrates Qatar’s unification under the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. This holiday is marked by cultural events, parades, and fireworks.

Conclusion

Understanding public holidays, weekends, and leave types in Qatar is crucial for employees and employers alike. As an employee, knowing your leave entitlements allows you to plan your time off effectively and ensures that your rights are respected. As an employer, it's important to comply with the Qatari Labour Law to foster a fair and harmonious workplace.

Whether it’s enjoying the festivities of Eid Al-Fitr, celebrating National Day, or taking advantage of annual leave, understanding these aspects of working life in Qatar will ensure you maintain a good work-life balance.

Always stay informed and consult your employer or legal experts for any specific queries related to public holidays or leave entitlements. By doing so, you can make the most of your time off while respecting the laws and regulations of Qatar.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog regarding public holidays, weekends, and leave types in Qatar is based on the current Qatari Labour Law and the most recent guidelines available. However, laws and regulations are subject to change, and holiday dates may vary annually, especially those based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It is always recommended to consult official sources or your employer for the most up-to-date information.

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Managing Leave with TimeChart

Managing leave types, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and other types of leave, can be a complex task for both employers and employees in the Middle East. To streamline the process and ensure accuracy in leave tracking, businesses in the middle east are increasingly turning to TimeChart, a time attendance system that offers powerful tools for managing employee attendance and leave requests.

TimeChart helps businesses automate the entire leave process, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that employees’ leave entitlements are tracked accurately. With features such as leave balance tracking, automated approval workflows, and real-time updates, TimeChart makes it easier for both employers and employees to manage leave efficiently.

The TimeChart system allows employees to submit leave requests online, and supervisors can approve or deny these requests within the system. It also integrates with biometric time attendance systems, ensuring that all leave records are linked to accurate clock-in and clock-out data, making it simpler for businesses to comply with labor laws.

Additionally, TimeChart provides detailed reports, allowing employers to monitor leave patterns, track employee absences, and ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.

Read more about types of Leaves in UAE Labour Law: Annual Leave in UAE

How Timechart Can Help Businesses, Employees, and Managers

Timechart offers a range of tools and features designed to streamline workforce management. Its user-friendly interface and smart functionalities provide significant benefits for businesses, employees, and managers alike. Let’s explore how Timechart simplifies attendance tracking, unpaid leave management, and overall employee engagement.

Benefits for Businesses

1. Efficient Leave Management:
   • Timechart automates leave tracking, making it easy to manage unpaid leave, annual leave, and sick leave.
   • Businesses can ensure compliance with Labour Laws, reducing legal risks.
2. Accurate Attendance Tracking:
   • Timechart’s biometric attendance system eliminates manual errors and provides real-time updates on employee attendance.
   • Mobile time attendance capabilities ensure remote and on-site employees are accounted for.
3. Improved Compliance:
   • Built-in features help employers stay updated with labour law requirements, including Hajj leave, extended sick leave, and maternity leave policies.
   • Customized reports ensure accurate records for audits or inspections.
4. Cost Savings:
   • Automating processes reduces the need for manual administration, saving time and resources.
   • Detailed analytics provide insights into employee productivity and absenteeism trends, helping businesses optimize their workforce.

Benefits for Employees

1. Transparency in Leave Tracking:
   • Employees can easily apply for unpaid leave and monitor their leave balances using the Timechart app.
   • Automated notifications ensure they are updated on the status of their leave requests.
2. Flexibility for Remote Work:
   • Timechart’s mobile features enable employees to log attendance from anywhere, ensuring seamless workflow for remote or hybrid teams.
3. Access to Records:
   • Employees can access their attendance history, overtime records, and leave applications anytime, promoting trust and transparency.
4. Stress-Free Compliance:
   • With clear visibility into labour law-compliant leave policies, employees feel secure and confident in their entitlements.

Benefits for Managers

1. Centralized Management:
   • Managers can oversee attendance, unpaid leave, and sick leave requests from a single dashboard.
   • Real-time updates allow managers to make informed decisions quickly.
2. Improved Productivity:
   • With attendance data and leave patterns readily available, managers can allocate tasks effectively, avoiding understaffing or overburdening employees.
3. Enhanced Communication:
   • Timechart bridges communication gaps by enabling direct updates on leave approvals, attendance discrepancies, or schedule changes.
4. Performance Insights:
   • Analytics and reports generated by Timechart provide a clear picture of employee performance, enabling proactive management.

Additional Benefits

1. Customizable Policies:
   • Timechart allows businesses to customize leave and attendance policies based on their unique needs while remaining compliant with laws.
2. Cloud-Based Accessibility:
   • As a cloud-based platform, Timechart ensures secure access to data from anywhere, promoting flexibility and scalability.
3. Integration with Payroll:
   • Timechart integrates seamlessly with payroll systems, ensuring accurate calculation of unpaid leave deductions and other benefits.
4. Enhanced Employee Engagement:
   • By reducing administrative burdens and improving communication, Timechart fosters a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Why Choose Timechart?

Timechart’s advanced yet simple tools are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in the Middle East. It ensures compliance with local labour laws, enhances operational efficiency, and promotes transparency at every level. Whether managing unpaid leave, streamlining attendance tracking, or improving employee satisfaction, Timechart stands out as an invaluable tool for modern workforce management.

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