Friday, 18 December 2026
Confirmed — source checked
This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.
Qatar National Day is an official holiday observed on 18 December. It commemorates the foundation and unification of the modern state under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani in 1878.
Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.
Friday, 18 December 2026 · Confirmed — source checked
Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.
Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.
Official holiday calendar or legal framework
Confirmed · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-30
Confirmed by the current official calendar or governing rule. The official recurring list is National Sports Day, the two Eids and National Day; Eid leave length varies by sector and annual Amiri Diwan notice.
The Amiri Diwan announces the closure and return-to-work arrangements for government employees.
Banks and financial markets issue sector notices for the fixed holiday; digital services generally continue.
Schools close and often participate in heritage and national-identity activities beforehand.
The date recalls Sheikh Jassim’s accession to leadership on 18 December 1878 and his role in consolidating Qatar. It is a founding commemoration, not the date British treaty relations ended.
National Day expresses unity, heritage and loyalty while highlighting Qatar’s historical development.
Official ceremonies, cultural programmes, heritage displays and decorations take place; event formats and parade arrangements are announced annually.
Doha event areas can face large crowds and road closures. Consult official traffic and venue notices.
It is fixed on 18 December.
It marks the founding of the modern state under Sheikh Jassim in 1878.
Yes, Qatar’s government identifies it as an official national holiday.
View all Qatar public holidays 2026