Ramadan Working Hours in Qatar 2025

Ramadan, the holy month in the Islamic calendar, began on March 1 and will last 29 or 30 days. Therefore we kindly remind you that working hours in Qatar during this period may differ from the rest of the year. It is crucial to remember that this change affects all government departments, medical facilities, and local businesses, many of which close earlier than usual. No worries, though — we’ve collected all the necessary information about working hours during Ramadan below.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar used in Muslim countries. It’s a lunar calendar, and the beginning of each month depends on when a crescent moon appears. In Qatar, it is always officially declared by the Moon Sighting Committee in the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. Depending on the moon cycle, Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days, counting from sunset to sunset, and is followed by Eid al-Fitr (in 2025, from March 30 or March 31, the first day of Shawwal month, which is a holiday in Muslim countries.

According to Qatar Labour Law No. 3 of 1962, during Ramadan, the regular work period shall not exceed six hours per day or 36 hours per week. In practice, working hours are often even shorter, typically lasting around five hours (from 9 AM to 2 PM in 2025).

To ensure that observing Muslims can fulfill their religious duties, the government circular allows employees to arrive later, but not more than an hour past their scheduled start time.

Government working hours for Ramadan 2025 in Qatar:

• 5-hour workday from 9 AM to 2 PM

• Flexible start time up to 10 AM (must complete 5 hours)

• Remote work is allowed for up to 30 percent of the workforce, with priority given to Qatari mothers and individuals with disabilities, as long as work requirements are met.

During Ramadan, most departments within the Ministry of Interior operate for five hours per day, following general guidelines from the circular. However, there are a few notable exceptions. The Technical Inspection Sections of the General Directorate of Traffic typically remain open longer. Traffic Investigation and security-related departments that work on a shift system continue to operate 24 hours a day.

Ministry of Interior Ramadan working hourшs in 2025:

• General Directorate of Passports: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Nationality and Travel Document Department: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• General Directorate of Traffic: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Driver Licensing Section at Driving Schools: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM

• Traffic Investigation: 24 hours

• Criminal Evidence and Information Department: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Security-related departments working on a (shift) system: 24 hours

You don’t have to worry if you or your loved ones can receive urgent medical care during Ramadan. All ambulance and emergency services provided by Hamad Medical Corporation will continue to operate as usual — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, some medical facilities and services, such as pharmacy delivery and the Blood Donation Center, may slightly reduce their working hours during Ramadan.

During this time of year, the Medical Commission Department operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Pharmacies often operate with extended hours during Ramadan; they might stay open until 2:00 AM.

To accommodate Ramadan schedules, Doha Metro and Lusail Tram typically extend their operating hours for residents’ convenience. 

In 2025, the Doha Metro Ramadan working hours are these:

• Saturday to Thursday: 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM 

• Friday: 09:30 AM to 1:30 AM 

During Ramadan, Muslims observe a daytime fast, so most cafés and restaurants in Qatar operate from sunset to sunrise (e.g., 5 PM to 3–4 AM). Some establishments accept takeaway orders during the day, even if they are not open for dine-in customers. Additionally, certain restaurants — particularly those in hotels — continue to serve food during the day for non-Muslims.

Most shops and businesses in Qatar adjust their hours during Ramadan, typically opening later in the day and closing earlier than usual. We recommend you to check their schedules in advance before planning a visit.

Malls Working Hours:

— Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM

— Fridays: 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM

It’s important to remember that during Ramadan, Qatar residents must respect the fasting rules and act accordingly. This means that you have to withdraw from eating or drinking (especially consuming alcohol) in public from dawn to sunset, and swearing. Public displays of affection during Ramadan are strongly discouraged. 

If you doubt whether locals would consider something impolite, don’t be afraid to ask them. And remember to greet people with «Ramadan Kareem» or «Mubarak Alaikum Al Shahar.» These are traditional greetings during Ramadan.