National Day in 2025

When is Qatari National Day?

This public holiday is always celebrated on December 18th. It is the National Day of Qatar and may also be known as 'Founder's Day'. If December 18th falls on a Friday or Saturday (the weekend in Qatar), then the following Sunday may be given as a one-off public holiday.

Qatar National Day (Al-Yaoum-al-Watani) commemorates the day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Thani, as the ruler of Qatar.

History of Qatari National Day

Qatar had started to develop into an important settlement in the eighteenth century. Following periods of control from various local regions, including agreements with the British, the Ottoman Empire arrived in 1871 at the request of the Emir.

On December 18th 1878, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, succeeded his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani, as ruler of Qatar, becoming its first Emir in a lineage that continues to this day.

Ruling Qatar until his death in 1913, Sultan Jassim is revered in Qatar as 'The Founder' as under his rule he unified the tribes of the peninsula marking the creation of the modern state of Qatar. His leadership, both political and militarily, defined Qatar's status a nation in the view of the two key powers in the region at that time - the Ottomans and the British.

During the first world war, the Ottoman Empire was falling apart as a result of losing a series of key battles. Qatar took part in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire, forcing the Ottomans from Doha in 1915.

In 1916 Qatar became a British protectorate. Qatar gained independence from the United Kingdom and became an independent sovereign state on September 3rd 1971. September 3rd was originally celebrated as Qatar's National Day.

How is Qatari National Day celebrated?

The holiday was established on June 21st 2007 by decree of the Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Most of the public are given the day off with schools and businesses closing.

It is a time for Qataris to celebrate their national identity and the holiday is marked by a large parade in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The parade is the most popular event of the holiday and features displays from the Qatari military and culminates with an appearance of members of the ruling family.

Did you know?

Doha is the capital city of Qatar. Its name comes from the Arabic word ‘Ad-Dawha’, which means ‘the big tree’.

Other activities include firework displays, demonstrations of traditional skills and sports competitions.

Many Qataris decorate their cars and homes, draping them with national flags and other patriotic symbols. Others take to the corniche to witness the annual parade and cheer on as planes show off acrobatic manoeuvres overhead.