Jan 183 min read
Jan 188 min read
Jan 188 min read

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. As Ramadan 2026 approaches, residents and visitors in Qatar are looking for essential information regarding key dates, public holidays, adjusted working hours, and the finest venues to embrace the spiritual atmosphere.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know about Ramadan 2026 in Qatar, from fasting schedules and Iftar details to official regulations and travel tips.
Keep reading to discover all the essential details about Ramadan in Qatar this year!

Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026. However, the exact commencement depends on the official sighting of the crescent moon by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf).
While there are no public holidays during the month of fasting itself, a significant holiday is granted for Eid al-Fitr. In 2026, Eid is expected to begin on Friday, 20 March or Saturday, 21 March, typically resulting in a three-to-five-day break for the public sector.
Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026. However, the exact commencement depends on the official sighting of the crescent moon by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf).
While there are no public holidays during the month of fasting itself, a significant holiday is granted for Eid al-Fitr. In 2026, Eid is expected to begin on Friday, 20 March or Saturday, 21 March, typically resulting in a three-to-five-day break for the public sector.
It is recommended to check with your employer or institution for specific working hours.
Ramadan | Day | Date (2026) | Fajr (Suhoor) | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib (Iftar) | Isha |
1 | Thursday | 19 February | 04:54 | 06:09 | 11:53 | 03:09 | 05:37 | 07:07 |
2 | Friday | 20 February | 04:53 | 06:08 | 11:53 | 03:10 | 05:38 | 07:08 |
3 | Saturday | 21 February | 04:52 | 06:07 | 11:53 | 03:10 | 05:39 | 07:09 |
4 | Sunday | 22 February | 04:51 | 06:06 | 11:53 | 03:10 | 05:39 | 07:09 |
5 | Monday | 23 February | 04:50 | 06:05 | 11:53 | 03:10 | 05:40 | 07:10 |
6 | Tuesday | 24 February | 04:49 | 06:04 | 11:53 | 03:11 | 05:41 | 07:11 |
7 | Wednesday | 25 February | 04:48 | 06:03 | 11:52 | 03:11 | 05:41 | 07:11 |
8 | Thursday | 26 February | 04:47 | 06:02 | 11:52 | 03:11 | 05:42 | 07:12 |
9 | Friday | 27 February | 04:46 | 06:01 | 11:52 | 03:11 | 05:42 | 07:12 |
10 | Saturday | 28 February | 04:45 | 06:00 | 11:52 | 03:12 | 05:43 | 07:13 |
11 | Sunday | 1 March | 04:44 | 05:59 | 11:52 | 03:12 | 05:44 | 07:14 |
12 | Monday | 2 March | 04:43 | 05:58 | 11:51 | 03:12 | 05:44 | 07:14 |
13 | Tuesday | 3 March | 04:42 | 05:57 | 11:51 | 03:12 | 05:45 | 07:15 |
14 | Wednesday | 4 March | 04:41 | 05:56 | 11:51 | 03:12 | 05:45 | 07:15 |
15 | Thursday | 5 March | 04:40 | 05:55 | 11:51 | 03:12 | 05:46 | 07:16 |
16 | Friday | 6 March | 04:39 | 05:54 | 11:51 | 03:12 | 05:47 | 07:17 |
17 | Saturday | 7 March | 04:38 | 05:53 | 11:50 | 03:12 | 05:47 | 07:17 |
18 | Sunday | 8 March | 04:37 | 05:51 | 11:50 | 03:12 | 05:48 | 07:18 |
19 | Monday | 9 March | 04:36 | 05:50 | 11:50 | 03:12 | 05:48 | 07:18 |
20 | Tuesday | 10 March | 04:35 | 05:49 | 11:50 | 03:12 | 05:49 | 07:19 |
21 | Wednesday | 11 March | 04:33 | 05:48 | 11:49 | 03:12 | 05:50 | 07:20 |
22 | Thursday | 12 March | 04:32 | 05:47 | 11:49 | 03:12 | 05:50 | 07:20 |
23 | Friday | 13 March | 04:31 | 05:46 | 11:49 | 03:12 | 05:51 | 07:21 |
24 | Saturday | 14 March | 04:30 | 05:45 | 11:49 | 03:11 | 05:51 | 07:21 |
25 | Sunday | 15 March | 04:29 | 05:44 | 11:48 | 03:11 | 05:52 | 07:22 |
26 | Monday | 16 March | 04:28 | 05:42 | 11:48 | 03:11 | 05:53 | 07:23 |
27 | Tuesday | 17 March | 04:27 | 05:41 | 11:48 | 03:11 | 05:53 | 07:23 |
28 | Wednesday | 18 March | 04:26 | 05:40 | 11:48 | 03:11 | 05:54 | 07:24 |
29 | Thursday | 19 March | 04:24 | 05:39 | 11:47 | 03:11 | 05:54 | 07:24 |
30 | Friday | 20 March | 04:23 | 05:38 | 11:47 | 03:10 | 05:55 | 07:25 |
Laylat al-Qadr: The search for the Night of Power begins during the final ten nights of Ramadan, starting from the night of 11 March 2026.
A Winter Ramadan: This year is characterised by shorter fasting hours (approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes at the start, increasing to 13 hours and 30 minutes by the end), accompanied by pleasantly cool weather in Qatar.
Official Confirmation: Please wait for the official announcement from the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf on the evening of Wednesday, 18 February, to confirm if Thursday is indeed the first day of the holy month.

Performing Umrah from Qatar in 2026
Performing Umrah during Ramadan holds immense spiritual reward. For those planning a pilgrimage from Doha in 2026:
Permits: You must secure an Umrah permit via the Nusuk app.
Travel Options:
By Air: Direct flights from Hamad International Airport to Jeddah take approximately 2 hours.
By Road: The drive via the Salwa Border takes roughly 12–14 hours.
Haramain High-Speed Railway: Once in Saudi Arabia, use the high-speed train for a swift 20-minute journey between Jeddah and Makkah.
Discover More: Umrah Visa 2026: Requirements, Applications, and More
By Air
Flights from Hamad International Airport (Doha) to Jeddah or Taif.
Duration: ~2 hours.
From Jeddah to Makkah: By Haramain Train (20 mins), taxi, or bus.
Fastest but most expensive option.
By Bus
Services like SAPTCO operate direct buses from Doha to Makkah.
Duration: 14-16 hours.
Cheaper but less comfortable.
By Private Car
Route via Salwa Border – Al Ahsa – Taif – Makkah.
Duration: 12-14 hours.
More flexible but requires travel preparation.
Haramain Train
From Jeddah to Makkah: 20 minutes.
From Madinah to Makkah: 2.5 hours.
Convenient if flying to Jeddah or Madinah.
Tip: Book early, especially in Ramadan, to avoid crowds and price hikes.
Ramadan in Qatar is more than just fasting; it's a time for traditional feasts and unique dining experiences. Here are the top places for Iftar and Suhoor in Doha in 2025:

Luxury hotel tents offering grand buffets and an authentic ambience:
The Ritz-Carlton Tent: Qatari, Lebanese, and international cuisine.
Four Seasons Hotel Tent: Premium global buffet + traditional desserts.
Mondrian Doha Tent: Gulf and international dishes with live performances.
St. Regis Doha Tent: Lavish Middle Eastern buffet.
Tip: Pre-book as these places tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Khan Farouk – Traditional Ramadan experience.
Cuisine: Egyptian grills, stews, and lentil soup.
Location: The Pearl, Qatar.
Ezdan Palace – Premium Arabic buffet.
Cuisine: Gulf & Moroccan dishes, Ramadan soups.
Location: Ezdan Hotel, West Bay.
Beiruti Restaurant – Lebanese cuisine.
Highlights: Lebanese grills, cold appetisers, Kunafa.
Location: Katara, Doha.
Tip: Some restaurants offer early-bird discounts, so be sure to check for deals!
Al Majlis Tent – Marsa Malaz Kempinski
Specialities: Arabic dishes, Lebanese pastries, traditional sweets.
Location: The Pearl, Qatar.
W Hotel Ramadan Tent
Specialities: Gulf & Moroccan dishes, Middle Eastern desserts.
Location: W Hotel, Doha.
Al Shurfa Restaurant – Authentic Qatari Suhoor.
Specialities: Harees, Thareed, Luqaimat.
Location: Katara, Doha.
Tip: Book in advance for the last ten nights of Ramadan, as venues get extremely busy.
A: It is expected to begin on 20 or 21 March 2026, subject to the moon sighting.
A: The Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque (the State Mosque) offers a magnificent spiritual experience and can accommodate thousands of worshippers.
A: As a mark of respect, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. However, most hotels and many malls have screened-off dining areas open for non-fasters.
Ramadan is a time to cherish with family and friends, so don’t miss out on these amazing experiences in Doha this year!
