Ramadan, the holy month in the Islamic calendar, begins on February 18 and will likely last until March 19. During this time, many public and private establishments operate within shorter working hours. This change affects all government departments, medical facilities, and local businesses, many of which close earlier than usual. To help you plan your day properly, here’s all the information about working hours during Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar in Muslim countries. It’s a lunar calendar, and the beginning of each month depends on when a crescent moon appears. In Qatar, the date is 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, the first day of Shawwal month, which is a holiday in Muslim countries. In 2026, Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on March 20.

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 from 9 AM to 2 PM.

In 2026, working hours of the public sector for Ramadan are as follows:

• 5-hour workday from 9 AM to 2 PM

• Flexible start time, no later than 10 AM

• Remote work is allowed for up to 30% of the workforce

For the private sector, the Ministry of Labor announced a maximum of 36 working hours a week. The daily work is capped at six hours. 

During Ramadan, most departments within the Ministry of Interior operate 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.

Here are the 2026 Ramadan working hours of specific MOI departments:

• General Directorate of Passports: 8 AM to 1 PM
• Vehicle Plate Manufacturing Section, Ain Khaled: Sun–Thu 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 12 PM
• Vehicle Plate Manufacturing Branches, Al Egda, Al Wukair, Al Mazroua: 8 AM to 1 PM
• Services at the Traffic Headquarters in Madinat Khalifa: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
• Driver Licensing Section at Driving Schools: 6 AM to 11 AM
• Traffic investigations: 24 hours
• Security departments: 24 hours

All ambulance and emergency services, along with the unified healthcare contact center (16000), will continue to operate around the clock. However, some medical facilities and services may slightly reduce their working hours during Ramadan.

For instance, the Medical Commission Department operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Department of Medical Relations and Treatment Abroad works between 9 AM and 1 PM. Furthermore, HMC outpatient clinics and urgent consultations can be reached via 16000 and work Sunday to Thursday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Qatar National Blood Donation Center operates Sunday to Thursday, 8 AM–1 PM and 6 PM–12 AM, and on Saturday from 6 PM to 12 AM. 

Pharmacies usually work extended hours during Ramadan; they might stay open until 2 AM.

In 2026, the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram Ramadan working hours are:

• Metro: Saturday to Thursday 5:30 AM–1:30 AM, Friday: 9:30 AM–1:30 AM 

• Lusail Tram: Saturday to Thursday 5:30 AM–2 AM, Friday 2:30 PM–2 AM

Schools and kindergartens will work shorter hours as well. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced the following Ramadan working hours:

• Kindergartens will operate between 9 AM and 12:30 PM

• Grades 1–12 in public schools will work from 9 AM to 12:30 PM

• Administrative and teaching staff will work between 9 AM and 1 PM

WOQOD announced the modified Ramadan working hours of inspections:

• Mazrouah: Sun–Thu 8 AM–4:30 PM, Sat 8 AM–1 PM

• Wadi Al Banat/Mesaimeer/Al Wakra/Al Shahaniya/Industrial Area: Sun–Thu 8 AM–4 PM

Please keep in mind that the gate closes 30 minutes before closing. Also, inspections at Wadi Al Banat, Al Wakra, and Mesaimeer accept online bookings only.

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 that you check their schedules before planning a visit.

Malls' typical working hours:

• 10 AM to 3 PM

• 7 PM to 1 AM

During Ramadan, Qatar residents must respect the fasting rules and act accordingly. This means refraining from eating or drinking in public from dawn to sunset. 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.