Planning for National Day week
A few practical steps for residents:
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Step 1: Watch for the official announcement
Follow the Amiri Diwan and Qatar News Agency in mid-December for the confirmed holiday dates.
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Step 2: Check event and road closures
The National Day parade and celebrations along the Corniche bring road closures. Check the official National Day programme and traffic advisories before travelling.
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Step 3: Handle government transactions early
Renewals and appointments through Metrash or government offices may slow down around the holiday. Complete urgent residency tasks before mid-December.
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Step 4: Confirm leave in writing
If you plan to travel, get your leave approved in writing and check your residence permit validity for your return.
When is Qatar National Day 2026?
Qatar National Day commemorates the founding of the State of Qatar and is celebrated on 18 December each year. In 2026, 18 December falls on a Friday, which is already part of the weekend for most government and many private-sector employees.
Whether any extra working day is given off around the Friday is decided by the Amiri Diwan. As of 3 November 2026, the Diwan had not announced the 2026 holiday.
How the holiday was announced in recent years
The Amiri Diwan typically announces the National Day holiday a few days before 18 December, and the announcement is carried by the Qatar News Agency.
2024: announced on 15 December; Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 December were official holidays.
2025: announced on 16 December; Thursday 18 December was the official holiday, with work resuming on Sunday 21 December.
Because 2026’s date falls on a Friday, it is not yet known whether a weekday will be added. Do not book non-refundable leave on the assumption of an extra day off until the official announcement.
Private-sector employees
Qatar’s Labour Law lists National Day among the paid official holidays for private-sector workers. If you are required to work on an official holiday, the law provides for compensation. How a holiday falling on a weekend is handled depends on the official announcement and your employer’s policy, so ask HR in writing once the Diwan has announced the 2026 arrangement.