Qatar Announces National Day 2025 Holiday for Public and Private Sectors

The Amiri Diwan of Qatar has officially declared Thursday, 18 December 2025 an official holiday for the country’s Qatar National Day — a key annual celebration that commemorates the nation’s unification and heritage. 

Qatar National Day is observed each year on 18 December, marking the historic occasion of the country’s unification in 1878. 

According to the government announcement, the holiday on 18 December 2025 is a state-recognized day off, allowing government employees and the wider public sector to observe the National Day festivities. Employees are expected to resume work on Sunday, 21 December 2025, giving many a long weekend to partake in celebrations and family activities. 

In a complementary development, Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has also confirmed that Thursday, 18 December 2025, will be an official paid public holiday for private-sector employees, ensuring workers across the economy can celebrate the nation’s day. 

Residents in Qatar can look forward to a festive period spanning the official holiday, weekend and cultural events planned across Doha and beyond.

Activities, including heritage showcases, parades, and community engagements, are expected to run throughout the week surrounding 18 December, offering both citizens and residents opportunities to immerse themselves in the national spirit. 

Qatar’s 2025 National Day on 18 December will be a nationally recognised holiday, aligning public and private sectors in celebration and providing a buoyant backdrop for cultural pride, community events and shared festivities.