12 Things to Do in Qatar During Ramadan

Ramadan, the holy month of the Muslim calendar, is a spiritual time in Qatar. This means not just fasting, praying, and moderation but also a celebration of unity. There are many festive activities during this time in Qatar: some of them have deep roots in local culture and history, others are new.

While you should remember that everyday life in Qatar is different during Ramadan—and there are certain restrictions you have to follow—there are many things you can do to get into the holiday spirit, feel the sense of community, and get to know Qatari culture better. This guide gladly provides you with tips and recommendations. 

Since daytime during Ramadan is dedicated to fasting, nightfall becomes the time for Iftar — the meal that breaks the fast. By sunset, luxurious Ramadan tents filled with delicious and nutritious food welcome guests. Although this tradition is relatively recent and believed to have spread from Egypt to the rest of the Muslim world, Ramadan tents have become a widespread symbol of sharing and hospitality.

Modern Ramadan tents are easy to find in Qatar — major hotels and plazas set them up specifically for the holy month, offering exquisite delicacies of all kinds. Traditional iftar dishes include shorba (chicken or meat soup), harees (a wheat porridge-like dish), thareed (an Arabic variation of lamb or beef stew cooked with vegetables), machboos (a spiced rice dish), and various desserts like Umm Ali, basbousa, and luqaimat. Prices typically range from 80 to 300 QAR, with many places offering discounts for children. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider an Iftar buffet or an iftar box, which are more affordable alternatives.

If you prefer to eat early in the morning, join Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal usually eaten shortly before the daily fast begins. You can find suhoor offerings at the same Ramadan tents. 

Nighttime during Ramadan offers an excellent opportunity for a different kind of experience—Keshta. This Arabian Bedouin-style picnic is a popular form of entertainment in Qatar during Ramadan. However, unlike a typical camping trip to the desert, mountains, or wadis (river valleys), Keshta is a communal gathering where people share stories and sip hot beverages in a relaxed atmosphere.

Keshta packages often include additional desert activities such as camel rides or dune bashing, but you can also opt for a tranquil experience, simply resting and enjoying the scenic landscape.

If you prefer to relax on the water rather than on land, consider booking a dhow cruise. These traditional wooden sailing boats, historically used for pearl hunting, depart from Doha’s Dhow Harbor and take passengers to Al Safliya Island. Once there, you can enjoy the quiet island setting, admire the Doha skyline, engage in water sports, swim, or simply relax on the sandy beach. The same boat will then return you to the city.

Starting in 2024, Old Doha Port has become the venue for a month-long cultural festival celebrating Ramadan with food tastings, ethnic music, games, and competitions. The Throwback Food Festival revives the atmosphere of old Middle Eastern markets and is open daily from 5 PM to 2 AM until the end of Ramadan. Entry is free. Come and enjoy the celebration!

During Ramadan, daily activities shift to nighttime, including Doha’s bustling markets. To combine shopping with entertainment, visit the famous Souq Waqif in central Doha, Pearl Bazaar on Pearl Island, or the market in Msheireb Downtown. You can also take a trip to the Souq in Al Wakrah, Qatar’s second-oldest city.

At these markets, expect a vibrant atmosphere with various street food, fancy clothing, leather goods, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Street performers and henna artists add to the experience. You can even try your hand at traditional games like dama (similar to checkers and chess), al teelah (a marble game), and carrom (a popular board game for all ages).

Garangao night marks the 14th day of Ramadan — which means that fasting is halfway through for observing people. To celebrate this point, the Garangao festival begins after the Maghrib prayer. It is the night when kids go around the neighborhood, knocking on the doors, greeting neighbors and singing a traditional Garangao song, and filling their bags with rewards — usually sweets. Lately, thematic gift boxes, costing 5 to 50 QAR, have been specially designed to praise kids’ efforts during the fasting season.

Aside from warm neighborhood celebrations, there are many more festivities around the cities, of course. Giveaways, games, workshops, face painting, and other family entertainment are all over places like Msheireb Downtown and Katara Cultural Village, Fire Station and Old Port of Doha, malls, and museums.

In the second half of March, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center hosts the Ramadan and Eid Shopping Exhibition, where visitors can browse a vast selection of food, clothing, homeware, and other goods.

The Museum of Islamic Art presents an exquisite collection of Arabic calligraphy from around the world, showcasing stunning examples of Islamic artistry. The exhibition includes works from participants in the Al-Raqim Calligraphy Competition. Entry is free for Qatar residents, but advance online reservations are required.

If you’re a car enthusiast, don’t miss the Mawater Ramadan Car Parade on Lusail Boulevard, located northeast of Doha near the Lusail Metro Station. The parade usually starts after Asr prayer (around 3:00 — 3:30 PM, depending on the day), with a slow procession of vehicles moving along the boulevard for approximately an hour and a half.

Before the digital era, a cannon shot was used in Arab countries to signal the end of the daily fast. Today, the Iftar cannon remains a cherished tradition, and you can hear it being fired at Souq Waqif, Katara, Souq Al Wakrah, Lusail Boulevard, and Old Doha Port.

If you’d like to explore the spiritual side of Ramadan more, you would find it in Qatar’s most prominent mosques: Katara Mosque in Cultural Village, Msheireb Mosque (combining traditional and modern architecture), innovative Education City Mosque, or Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque. Perhaps the most suitable time to visit them is the night when Taraweeh prayers happen: you can expect to hear recitals from some renowned Quran readers.

Ramadan is a time of generosity to those in need. If you’d like to take part in one of many charity initiatives, you can volunteer at community Iftar events, serving meals or distributing food packages. You can also donate to various benefit projects — there are online and mobile app options.

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 in public from dawn to sunset and swearing. Public displays of affection during Ramadan are strongly discouraged. Also note that this is a time for modesty, moderation, and avoiding any kind of rush — though it’s not a law, it’s a courtesy and a sign of respect. If you doubt whether locals would consider something impolite, don’t be afraid to ask them.