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Qatar National Day

2028 holiday dates

Monday, 18 December 2028

Estimated / awaiting confirmation

This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.

About National Day

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.

Public holiday / closure dates

  • — Public of holiday period · Estimated / awaiting confirmation

Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.

Next supported occurrence

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.

2026 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

2027 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodEstimated / awaiting confirmation

Official sources and date status

Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.

mofa.gov.qa

Official holiday calendar or legal framework

Awaiting Confirmation · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-30

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.

mofa.gov.qa

Official holiday calendar or legal framework

Provisional · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-30

Provisional date under the current rule; annual, lunar or exceptional confirmation remains pending. 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.

Office arrangements

The Amiri Diwan announces the closure and return-to-work arrangements for government employees.

Bank arrangements

Banks and financial markets issue sector notices for the fixed holiday; digital services generally continue.

School arrangements

Schools close and often participate in heritage and national-identity activities beforehand.

History

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.

Why it matters

National Day expresses unity, heritage and loyalty while highlighting Qatar’s historical development.

Observance

Official ceremonies, cultural programmes, heritage displays and decorations take place; event formats and parade arrangements are announced annually.

Travel and planning

Doha event areas can face large crowds and road closures. Consult official traffic and venue notices.

Frequently asked questions

When is Qatar National Day?

It is fixed on 18 December.

What does it commemorate?

It marks the founding of the modern state under Sheikh Jassim in 1878.

Is it an official holiday?

Yes, Qatar’s government identifies it as an official national holiday.

View all Qatar public holidays 2028

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