Ramadan Calendar in Qatar 2026: Complete Guide to the Holy Month

Ramadan Calendar in Qatar 2026: Complete Guide to the Holy Month. The holy month of Ramadan is approaching, and Muslims across Qatar are preparing for this blessed time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and community. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, and continue until Thursday, March 19, 2026. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything you need to know about observing Ramadan in Qatar.

Understanding the Islamic Calendar

Ramadan follows the lunar Islamic calendar, which means the dates shift approximately 10-12 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. The exact start date depends on the sighting of the new moon, which is why Muslims around the world await the official announcement from religious authorities. In Qatar, the moon sighting committee makes this determination, and the announcement typically comes just days before Ramadan begins.

Ramadan 2026 Timetable for Qatar

Below is the estimated prayer and fasting schedule for Ramadan 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Please note that these times are approximate and may vary slightly based on the official moon sighting and your exact location within Qatar.

Week 1 (February 18-24, 2026)

Week 2 (February 25 – March 3, 2026)

Week 3 (March 4-10, 2026)

Week 4 (March 11-17, 2026)

Final Days (March 18-19, 2026)

Note: Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, subject to moon sighting confirmation.

Understanding the Timetable

• Fajr (Suhoor End): This is the time when the fast begins. Muslims must stop eating and drinking by this time.
• Sunrise: Marks the beginning of the day but not a prayer time for fasting purposes.
• Dhuhr: The midday prayer.
• Asr: The afternoon prayer.
• Maghrib (Iftar): The time when the fast is broken at sunset. This is when Muslims have their Iftar meal.
• Isha: The night prayer, after which Taraweeh prayers are performed during Ramadan.

The fasting period ranges from approximately 13 hours and 4 minutes at the beginning of Ramadan to about 13 hours and 37 minutes by the end of the month.

Daily Fasting Schedule

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The pre-dawn meal is called Suhoor, and the meal to break the fast at sunset is known as Iftar. In Qatar, the fasting hours in February and March 2026 will be moderate, lasting approximately 13 to 13.5 hours per day.

As the month progresses, the days will gradually become slightly longer. The exact prayer times vary by location within Qatar, but Doha serves as the reference point for most of the country. Fajr prayer, which marks the beginning of the fast, typically occurs around 4:45 AM early in the month, while Maghrib prayer, signaling the end of the fast, falls around 5:45 PM initially and extends to approximately 6:00 PM by the end of Ramadan.

The Spiritual Significance

Ramadan is far more than abstaining from food and drink. It represents a complete spiritual reset, encouraging Muslims to strengthen their relationship with God, increase their charitable acts, and reflect on their blessings. The month commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, making it the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

Throughout these blessed days, Muslims engage in additional prayers called Taraweeh, which are performed after the Isha prayer each night. Many mosques in Qatar host these special congregational prayers, creating a unique atmosphere of devotion and community spirit.

Life in Qatar During Ramadan

Qatar transforms during the holy month. The rhythm of daily life adjusts to accommodate fasting schedules, creating a unique atmosphere that blends tradition with modernity. Government offices, private companies, and schools modify their working hours, typically reducing them by two hours for Muslim employees who are fasting.

The streets, which might be quieter during the day, come alive after sunset. Families and friends gather for Iftar, and the spirit of generosity pervades as people share meals with neighbors, colleagues, and those in need. Many hotels and restaurants set up elaborate Iftar buffets and Suhoor tents, offering traditional Arabic hospitality and cuisine.

Shopping malls extend their hours well past midnight, and Ramadan-specific markets and events pop up across Doha and other cities. The Souq Waqif, one of Qatar’s most famous traditional markets, becomes particularly vibrant during this period, with special Ramadan decorations and extended operating hours.

Cultural Practices and Traditions

Qatar has rich traditions surrounding Ramadan that reflect both Islamic teachings and Gulf Arab culture. The Garangao celebration, typically held on the 13th, 14th, and 15th nights of Ramadan, is particularly special for children. During these nights, children wearing traditional clothing go from house to house collecting sweets and nuts in decorated bags, similar to Halloween in Western cultures, while singing traditional songs.

Charitable giving reaches its peak during Ramadan. Many organizations set up donation centers and food distribution points. The concept of Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity given before Eid prayers, ensures that everyone can participate in the Eid celebrations regardless of their financial situation.

Respecting Ramadan as a Visitor

Qatar welcomes visitors of all faiths, and understanding Ramadan etiquette helps ensure a respectful and enriching experience. While non-Muslims are not required to fast, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is prohibited by law and can result in fines. Most restaurants remain closed during the day but open after sunset, with some hotel restaurants offering discreet service to non-fasting individuals in designated areas.

Dress modestly during this time, with both men and women covering their shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection should be avoided, and loud music or entertainment is generally toned down out of respect for those fasting.

The Final Ten Days and Laylat al-Qadr

The last ten days of Ramadan hold special significance, with many Muslims intensifying their worship and some performing Itikaf, a practice of secluding oneself in the mosque for spiritual reflection. Within these final nights lies Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed.

This night, which occurs on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days (most commonly the 27th), is considered better than a thousand months. Mosques across Qatar overflow with worshippers seeking the blessings of this sacred night, and the atmosphere is one of profound devotion and hope.

Preparing for Eid al-Fitr

As Ramadan draws to a close, preparations for Eid al-Fitr begin. This three-day celebration marks the end of fasting and is a time of joy, gratitude, and community. Families shop for new clothes, prepare special foods, and ensure their Zakat al-Fitr is paid before the Eid prayer.

On the morning of Eid, Muslims gather for congregational prayers in mosques and designated prayer grounds across Qatar. The day is filled with family visits, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts, particularly for children. It’s a time when the entire community comes together to celebrate the completion of a month of spiritual growth and discipline.

Weather Considerations

February and March in Qatar offer pleasant weather conditions for Ramadan, with temperatures ranging from comfortable lows around 15-18°C at night to mild highs of 24-28°C during the day. This makes outdoor Iftar gatherings and evening activities particularly enjoyable, unlike the summer months when Ramadan can be more challenging due to extreme heat.

Planning Your Month

Whether you’re a resident or visitor in Qatar during Ramadan 2026, planning ahead enhances the experience. Stock up on groceries before the month begins, as supermarkets can become crowded as Iftar approaches. Many people prepare meals in advance and freeze them for convenience.

Remember that businesses and services operate on modified schedules, so confirm opening hours before making plans. Traffic patterns also change significantly, with roads emptying shortly before Iftar and becoming congested afterward as people venture out.

The holy month offers a unique opportunity to experience Qatari culture and Islamic traditions at their most vibrant. Whether you’re observing the fast or simply experiencing the transformed atmosphere of the nation, Ramadan in Qatar creates lasting memories and deepens understanding of this important pillar of Islam.

Conlusion

Ramadan 2026 in Qatar promises to be a spiritually enriching experience filled with devotion, community, and reflection. Whether fasting or observing, this blessed month offers everyone an opportunity to embrace compassion, gratitude, and the timeless values that unite humanity in peace.