Yes, its a national holiday actually..! Qatar celebrates its Independence Day on tht date. It was September 3rd till about last year... dont know de exact reason y dey shifted de date 2 18th Dec. Anywayz, it still remains a holiday. But not sure, if every private company needs 2 follow it. So, if ur company is a private now... and doesnt giv u the day off... Ouch...!!