Qatar has declared a five-day public holiday for Eid al-Adha in 2025. As per a Cabinet decision published in the Official Gazette, the break will run from the 9th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. This applies to ministries, government departments, and public entities.
The holiday starts on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as Arafah Day. In Qatar, public holidays are culturally significant, and Eid al-Adha stands out as one of the most important religious observances.
Public holidays such as Qatar National Day, which is celebrated on 18 December, will continue to be officially recognised despite yearly adjustments to the holiday calendar.
Eid al-Adha 2025 is a major event in the Islamic calendar, and Qatar will observe it with a five-day public holiday. The break will begin on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, referred to as Arafah or Arafat Day, and continue through to the 13th. The occasion brings Muslims together to mark their faith through various religious practices and community gatherings.
The date of Eid al-Adha is based on the lunar Islamic calendar and is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the beginning of a new month. In Qatar, this task is undertaken by a moon-sighting committee, typically on the 29th day of the preceding lunar month. Once confirmed, Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
During this holiday period, all ministries, public offices, and government agencies will be closed, allowing people to unite with their families and celebrate the occasion. Also referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha honours the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in submission to Allah—a central act of faith remembered through the festivities.
