Last Reviewed: February 2026 | Topic: Ramadan in Qatar 2026 | Reading Time: 14 minutes

Quick Answer: Ramadan 2026 in Qatar runs from February 18 to approximately March 19. The best things to do include breaking fast at an iftar buffet (QR 50 to QR 315 per person), attending ghabga or suhoor at a Ramadan tent, watching the traditional Ramadan cannon at Old Doha Port or Katara, celebrating Garangao Night on approximately March 5 at Souq Waqif, exploring the Throwback Food Festival at Old Doha Port, and visiting night markets at The Pearl, Katara, and the Museum of Islamic Art.

There is no better time to understand Qatar than during Ramadan. The country shifts into a different rhythm — quieter by day, remarkably alive by night. Souq Waqif fills with families past midnight. Ramadan cannon fire echoes across the waterfront at sunset. Children in embroidered thobes and abayas roam the streets singing the Gara song on Garangao Night. Hotel terraces transform into open-air iftar tents lit by hanging lanterns.

For the 88 percent of Qatar’s population who are expatriates, Ramadan is either a month to navigate around or a month to genuinely experience. This guide is for those who want to do the latter — whether you are Muslim observing the fast, a non-Muslim expat curious about what the fuss is about, or a visitor who timed their Qatar trip for this month.

Ramadan 1447H started on February 18 2026 in Qatar. Based on the lunar calendar, it runs for approximately 29 to 30 days, ending around March 19 with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr.

Table of Contents

Understanding Ramadan in Qatar: What Changes and What Does Not

What Changes

Qatar’s working hours reduce by two hours per day across both the government and private sectors during Ramadan, mandated under Qatar Labour Law. For most residents, this means an earlier end to the working day.

Restaurants and cafes generally close during daylight hours — some completely, others maintaining private dining rooms for non-fasting guests. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public spaces is prohibited by law during daylight hours for everyone, regardless of religion. This is not a suggestion. Violations carry fines.

The city’s social calendar flips almost entirely to nighttime. Everything that matters in Qatar during Ramadan happens after iftar. Souq Waqif at 10:00 PM in Ramadan is more alive than it ever is at 6:00 PM on a regular Friday.

What Does Not Change

Museums, cultural institutions, and tourist attractions remain open throughout Ramadan, many with extended evening hours specifically for the month. The Doha Metro runs normal schedules. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and essential services operate as usual. Malls maintain adjusted but functional hours.

Qatar is an inclusive country during Ramadan. Non-Muslims are welcome at iftar tables, at cultural events, at mosques during visitor hours, and at every public event on this list. The only firm requirements are observing the public eating and drinking restriction during the day, and dressing modestly.

When Is Iftar in February and March 2026?

During the first days of Ramadan in late February 2026, sunset — and therefore iftar — falls at approximately 5:45 PM in Doha. As the month progresses into March, sunset shifts gradually to around 6:05 PM. Check a local prayer time app or the Visit Qatar website daily for the exact iftar time as it changes by roughly one minute per day.

Iftar: Breaking the Fast at Sunset

Iftar is the meal that ends each day of fasting. It begins with dates and water — a tradition tied to the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — followed by laban (a cold yoghurt drink), soup, and then the main spread.

For expats and visitors in Qatar, the hotel iftar buffet is the most accessible way to experience the full Ramadan meal. Doha’s five-star hotel corridor delivers some of the most elaborate iftar setups in the Gulf — live cooking stations, oud musicians, lanterns, outdoor terraces, and spreads that can cover 100 dishes.

What to Budget for Iftar in Doha 2026

Category	Price per Person	Experience
Budget (local restaurants, Souq Waqif)	QR 50 to QR 100	Traditional food, local crowds, most authentic atmosphere
Mid-range (hotel restaurants)	QR 130 to QR 230	Full buffet, Arabic and international spread, family-friendly
Premium (5-star hotels)	QR 250 to QR 315	Elaborate buffet, live stations, entertainment, waterfront or garden setting
Luxury (signature venues)	QR 350 and above	Curated dining, private majlis, bespoke entertainment

Specific 2026 pricing confirmed:

Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach (Bazar): from QR 130 per person
Hilton Salwa (Souk Kitchen): QR 198 per person, February 19 to March 19
Radisson Blu Salwa Road: QR 200 per person
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay: QR 315 per person (iftar) and QR 315 per person (suhoor)
Flying Carpet: QR 265 per adult, QR 110 for children aged 5 to 11

Book in advance, especially for weekends (Thursday and Friday in Qatar). The best hotel iftar tents fill up 2 to 3 weeks ahead during peak Ramadan weekends.

Best Atmospheres for Iftar in Doha

Souq Waqif remains the most atmospheric iftar location in Qatar. Sitting at an outdoor table in the heart of the souq as the call to prayer rings out and the city breaks its fast around you is an experience that no hotel tent can replicate. Prices are the most affordable in Doha here, and the food — harees, thareed, luqaimat — is as traditional as it gets.

Old Doha Port (Mina District) combines waterfront dining with the theatre of the Ramadan cannon being fired at sunset. The Throwback Food Festival running from February 17 to March 19 adds a nostalgic, festival-like atmosphere to the port area throughout Ramadan.

Katara Cultural Village offers a blend of waterfront restaurants, cultural events, and the cannon ceremony. The mix of outdoor dining, music, and Noor Ramadan Lectures happening on site makes Katara one of the most programme-rich Ramadan destinations in Doha.

The Pearl is the choice for a more polished, upscale iftar with marina views. The Pearl Ramadan Bazaar (4th edition in 2026) adds a shopping and wandering dimension to evenings here.

Lusail has emerged as a significant Ramadan destination in recent years, with the Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail, Le Royal Meridien Place Vendome, and Layali Lusail tent offering premium experiences in Qatar’s newest city.

Ghabga: The Ramadan Night Gathering

Ghabga is a tradition specific to the Gulf that most visitors to Qatar have never heard of — and it is arguably the most uniquely Qatari social experience of the entire month.

After Taraweeh prayers (the special nightly Ramadan prayers held after the last prayer of the day), families and friends gather for a late-night meal and social session called ghabga. It typically runs from around 9:00 PM to midnight or 1:00 AM. The mood is relaxed and social — lighter food than iftar, Arabic coffee, shisha, and long conversations.

Families gather for ghabga dinners and distribute mixed bags of nuts, sweets, sugared kernels, and candies as part of the broader Ramadan social tradition.

Hotels and restaurants in Doha create dedicated ghabga menus. In 2026, confirmed ghabga experiences include:

Dalchini: Outdoor majlis seating, lantern glow, ghabga menu from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, nightly February 17 to March 19
Hilton Salwa (Sahara Garden): Open-air city-view suhoor flowing from ghabga, with shisha
Sheraton Grand Doha (Ramadan Wayyakom): Full ghabga programme with Arabic calligraphy, henna art, storytelling for children, and curated food
Any open-air cafe in Souq Waqif: The most authentic ghabga setting in Doha, no reservation required

Suhoor: The Pre-Dawn Meal

Suhoor is the final meal eaten before the Fajr (dawn) prayer marks the beginning of the day’s fast. In Doha during Ramadan 2026, Fajr falls between approximately 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM. This means suhoor service at hotels and restaurants runs from around midnight to 1:30 or 2:00 AM.

For non-fasting residents, suhoor is simply a very late dinner in a particularly atmospheric setting — outdoor tables, cool February air, lanterns, and the quiet of Doha’s late night.

Confirmed suhoor options in 2026 include the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay (QR 315 per person), Zawaya Tent (QR 250 per person with Doha skyline views from the 8th floor), Glass House, Dalchini, and the Flying Carpet (QR 199 per adult from the 21st day of Ramadan onwards).

Ramadan 2026 Events You Should Not Miss

Throwback Food Festival at Old Doha Port (February 17 to March 19)

The third edition of this popular food festival runs the full length of Ramadan and beyond. The theme travels through the culinary memories of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in a nostalgic celebration of food heritage. The location at Old Doha Port — the recently revitalised Mina District with its waterfront promenade and marina — makes this one of the most pleasant outdoor settings in Doha during the cool Ramadan evenings.

Entry to the port area is free. Food and drink are charged per item or vendor.

Ramadaniyat at Heenat Salma Farm

This is the most distinctive Ramadan experience in Qatar in 2026 and the one most likely to be a genuine revelation for long-time residents who think they have seen everything.

Ramadaniyat at Heenat Salma is a nature-inspired experience integrating spirituality, creativity, and outdoor living. The programme features farm-based workshops, artisan installations, live performances, Ramadan discussions, Quran recitations, and wellness sessions, creating an immersive setting under open skies.

Heenat Salma is a working organic farm in Al Shamal, Qatar’s northernmost region — roughly 90 minutes from central Doha. The drive is part of the experience: flat desert giving way to the northern coast and a farm that feels entirely unlike urban Qatar.

Plan this as a half-day or full-day trip. Leave Doha after lunch to arrive in time for the late afternoon programme and sunset iftar.

Layali Msheireb and Barahat Ramadan Nights

Msheireb Properties has unveiled its comprehensive seasonal programme for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2026, themed “Layali Msheireb.” The programme runs across Msheireb Downtown Doha — Qatar’s award-winning urban regeneration district at the heart of the old city.

Barahat Ramadan Nights runs every Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM with free activities including a kids play zone and open-air cinema, plus paid hands-on workshops covering lantern making, Arabic calligraphy, and pottery.

This is the best free family-friendly Ramadan programme in central Doha. The combination of Msheireb’s contemporary architecture and the traditional Ramadan content creates an atmosphere that feels modern and rooted at the same time.

Noor Ramadan Lectures at Katara Cultural Village

Presented by Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Noor Ramadan Lectures series at Katara offers spiritual and intellectual engagement focused on Islamic thought and contemporary questions. Free to attend. Katara also hosts one of the most dramatic Ramadan cannon ceremonies in the city.

Al Razji Event at Darb Al Saai, Umm Salal Muhammad

Darb Al Saai will host the Al Razji Event, which highlights Qatari heritage through folk chants, traditional attire, and authentic crafts.

This is the authentic Qatar heritage experience during Ramadan — less polished than Katara or Msheireb, more genuinely rooted in Qatari cultural tradition. Located in Umm Salal Muhammad about 20 kilometres north of Doha. Combine with a drive through the historic Umm Salal Mohammed Fort area.

Ramadan Night Markets and Bazaars

The Pearl Ramadan Bazaar (fourth edition) brings shopping for traditional clothing, fragrances, and gifts to the Pearl marina area. The Museum of Islamic Art Bazaar places artisan vendors in the MIA Park, with the stunning museum building and Doha skyline as the backdrop. Lagoona Mall Ramadan Nights brings indoor shopping with evening entertainment. The Ramadan Shopping Fair at Al Wakrah Old Souq (running until February 27) adds a heritage-waterfront dimension for those willing to make the 30-minute drive south of Doha.

Garangao Night: Qatar’s Most Beloved Ramadan Tradition

During the celebration, children wear traditional Qatari clothes and sing a special song while going door-to-door in their neighbourhoods to collect candies, nuts, and chocolates from their neighbours.

Garangao falls on the 15th night of Ramadan — in 2026, approximately March 5. It is celebrated across Souq Waqif, The Pearl Island, Gewan Island, and Old Doha Port.

For expat families with children, Garangao Night at Souq Waqif is one of the most memorable evenings of the year in Qatar. Children in traditional Qatari dress flood the alleyways, singing the traditional Gara chant, with residents and shop owners distributing bags of mixed nuts, sweets, and chocolates. The energy is warm, communal, and completely unique to this part of the world.

Arrive at Souq Waqif by 8:00 PM on Garangao Night. Dress the children in their best traditional outfits if you have them — or simply come and enjoy the spectacle. Bring small bags of sweets or chocolates to hand out; participating is far better than just watching.

Traditional Ramadan Foods to Try in Qatar

Qatar has a small collection of dishes cooked almost exclusively during Ramadan, disappearing from restaurant menus as soon as Eid arrives. Do not leave this month without trying them.

Harees is the dish that defines Qatari Ramadan. Slow-cooked pounded wheat and lamb or chicken, finished with clarified butter, olive oil, and a dusting of cinnamon. The texture is smooth and porridge-like — deeply comforting after a day of fasting. Available at virtually every traditional restaurant in Souq Waqif throughout the month.

Al Thareed is Qatar’s Ramadan stew: a thick, spiced lamb or chicken soup ladled generously over crispy, thin flatbread that softens as it absorbs the broth. Cooked in communal pots, eaten from a shared bowl. One of the most social foods in Qatari culture.

Al Luqaimat are the Ramadan street snack — small, golden fried dough balls drizzled in date or sugar syrup, sometimes flavoured with rose water or orange blossom. You will smell them before you see the cart. Buy a bag and walk through Souq Waqif eating them while the city breaks its fast around you.

Sports Events During Ramadan 2026

Qatar’s sports calendar does not pause for Ramadan. Sporting competitions continue throughout the Holy Month, underscoring Qatar’s year-round athletics calendar. Highlights include the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026, alongside squash, equestrian, basketball, motorsport, beach volleyball, football, and padel tournaments staged at various venues.

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is the headline sporting event — an ATP professional tennis tournament held annually in Doha. CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines and the Longines Global Champions Tour bring international equestrian competition to Al Shaqab. The Toyota GR Yaris Qatar Season 2 runs at Lusail International Circuit. Basketball fans can catch the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers and the Doha International Basketball Tournament.

Match timings during Ramadan are typically adjusted to evening slots — after iftar, from approximately 7:00 PM onwards.

Practical Tips for Expats During Ramadan in Qatar 2026

The public eating and drinking rule is firm. Do not eat, drink water, chew gum, or smoke in public spaces during daylight hours. This applies to everyone regardless of faith. Your car with the windows up is generally considered private space, but err on the side of caution — especially in traffic.

Drive very carefully in the 45 minutes before iftar. The period from approximately 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM sees exhausted, hungry drivers rushing home. Qatar’s traffic accident rate spikes measurably in this window every Ramadan. If you can avoid driving in this period, do.

Dress modestly throughout the month. Shoulders and knees covered in all public spaces, souqs, markets, and malls. This applies to all genders. At beach resorts and hotel pools, the usual dress code applies.

The city is at its best between 8:00 PM and midnight. Souq Waqif, Katara, Msheireb, The Pearl, and Old Doha Port are at their most vibrant and social during these hours. Everything is open. Families are out. The weather in February and March is Qatar’s finest — mild, breezy, and perfect for walking.

Museums are excellent during the day. With many residents fasting and activity shifted to evenings, daytime museum visits to the National Museum of Qatar, MIA, and the 3-2-1 Olympic Museum are quieter and more enjoyable than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does Ramadan 2026 start and end in Qatar? Ramadan 1447H started in Qatar on February 18 2026 and is expected to end on approximately March 19 2026, with Eid Al Fitr celebrations beginning the following day.

Q: Can non-Muslims eat during Ramadan in Qatar? Not in public spaces during daylight hours. Eating and drinking in public during Ramadan is prohibited by law for everyone. Most workplaces and enclosed mall food courts have designated areas for non-fasting residents.

Q: What is ghabga? Ghabga is a late-night social meal and gathering unique to Gulf Ramadan culture. It runs after Taraweeh prayers, typically from 9:00 PM to midnight or later. Hotels and restaurants across Doha create dedicated ghabga menus throughout Ramadan.

Q: When is Garangao Night in 2026? Garangao falls on the 15th night of Ramadan — approximately March 5 2026. The best place to experience it is Souq Waqif from 8:00 PM onwards.

Q: What is the best free Ramadan activity in Doha? Visiting Souq Waqif after iftar costs nothing and is the most atmospheric Ramadan experience in Qatar. Walking the lanes, watching families gather, hearing the call to prayer echo through the old market, and joining the crowd for luqaimat from a street cart — it is entirely free and entirely unforgettable.

Q: Are Ramadan events in Qatar suitable for non-Muslims? Completely. Qatar’s Ramadan events, night markets, iftar buffets, and cultural programmes welcome everyone. The social and cultural experience of Ramadan in Qatar is one of the best reasons to visit or appreciate living here.

Q: What traditional Qatari food should I try during Ramadan? Start with harees (pounded wheat and lamb), al thareed (flatbread and lamb soup), and al luqaimat (fried dough in syrup). All three are available at traditional restaurants in Souq Waqif throughout Ramadan.

Summary

Ramadan 2026 in Qatar runs from February 18 to approximately March 19 — and this month transforms Doha into one of the most atmospheric cities in the world after dark. Break your fast at an iftar buffet in Souq Waqif or at a five-star hotel tent. Experience ghabga and suhoor late into the night. Watch the Ramadan cannon fire at sunset at Old Doha Port. Celebrate Garangao Night with thousands of families on March 5. Explore the Throwback Food Festival, the MIA Bazaar, and Ramadaniyat at Heenat Salma Farm. Eat harees, thareed, and luqaimat before they disappear from menus on Eid morning.

Things to Do in Ramadan in Qatar 2026: Iftar, Ghabga, Events and More