Qatar announce 11-day holiday for Eid ul Fitr

Qatar has announced that government employees will receive a 11-day holiday on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr this year.

Eid ul Fitr holiday will begin on July 15 and end on July 25. Employees will have to report for duty on July 26, after a 11-day break.

Details about the break for the private sector have not been announced amid speculation that they would be two to three days.

The differences between the public and private sector holidays once more highlights one of the issues facing the authorities as they encourage citizens to take up jobs in non state-run institutions.

The Ministry of Administrative Development has also announced that government employees will receive their monthly salaries before Eid ul Fitr.

The ministry said in a statement that government employees will receive their salaries on Tuesday, 27th of Ramadan 1436H, corresponding to July 14, to help them prepare for Eid celebrations and meet the needs of their families for the occasion.

Eid prayer

Eid prayers will held in majority of the mosques and Eidgahs (open prayer spaces) in Qatar. Eid ul Fitr this year is expected to be on Friday, July 17th and the prayer will be held 15 minutes following sunrise.

Eid prayer time on July 17th: 5:08 am

Eid holidays in other GCC nations

Saudi Arabia has announced a 12-day holiday for its public servants to mark Eid ul Fitr. Government departments in the kingdom will remain closed from July 17 to July 28.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Arabic daily Al Anba last month reported that civil servants in the Gulf state are likely to enjoy six to 10 days of holidays for Eid Al Fitr.

The UAE is yet to announce Eid Al Fitr holidays for public and private sectors.

Cover image: Ameer Abdul Razak | Other image(s): Omar Chatriwala (For illustration only)

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