Qatar marks one of the most special and joyous occasions in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr today.

With strict measures in place against the second wave of COVID-19 in the country, Eid al-Fitr 2021 celebrations are to follow somewhat of the same trend as last year and remain toned down to ensure the safety of everyone.

Unlike pre-COVID-19 times, Eid al-Fitr this year will be celebrated without public large-scale events and gatherings.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs opened certain mosques and prayer grounds for eid prayers.

Meanwhile, authorities have been urging citizens and residents of Qatar to follow preventive and precautionary measures against COVID-19, even if they have been vaccinated.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan - a month Muslims across the globe have spent fasting, engaging in acts of worship, and increased spiritual devotion. 

A direct translation of "Eid al-Fitr" is "The Festival of Breaking the Fast." The festival is traditionally observed over a period of three days and is celebrated with great fervor in Muslim communities across the world.

Crescent Sighting

The first day of Eid al-Fitr in Qatar is identified and announced by the Crescent Sighting Committee at Awqaf.

The Committee gathers immediately after sunset (Maghreb) prayer to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal (the 10th month in the Islamic [lunar] calendar).

Depending on the sighting, the Committee announces the official start date of Eid in Qatar.

The announcement regarding the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Qatar was made by the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf).

The Committee, which was headed by its chairman Sheikh Dr Thaqil Al Shammari, met immediately after sunset (Maghreb) prayer at the Committee's headquarters in the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs' building in Al Dafna earlier on Tuesday.

Eid Holidays

Qatar has announced that government employees will enjoy a 10-day holiday on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr this year. 

According to the Amiri Diwan, the Eid al-Fitr holidays for ministries, government agencies, and other public bodies and institutions will begin on Sunday, May 9, 2021,  and continue until Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Employees will resume work on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

According to an announcement by Qatar Central Bank, Eid al-Fitr holidays for all financial institutions in the country (banks, currency exchanges, insurance companies, finance, investment, and financial consultants) will start on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, and will end on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

All financial institutions will return to work before the public on Monday, May 17, 2021.

Eid Prayers

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs issued a list of mosques and prayer grounds where Eid al-Fitr 2021 prayers were held.

According to the list, over a thousand mosques and prayer grounds across Qatar were opened to worshippers to pray the Eid prayers, held approximately 15 minutes after sunrise.

All safety measures and precautionary guidelines were implemented to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance.

This list is available here. 

Eid activities and offers

Various entities in Qatar showcase their Eid al-Fitr offerings. Last year several organizations held online activities for the public to enjoy from the comfort of their home.

You can also enjoy special discounts at various places across the country. Check out this guide to know more about the hotel offers this Eid.

Doha Festival City

Doha Festival City's (DFC) Eid celebrations include exclusive promotions and the launch of new collections across homeware, clothing, and food and beverage outlets.

Those eager to spruce up their homes for the Eid celebrations, or looking for unique gift ideas, can visit top homeware retailers at DFC including Laura Ashley and Madam Coco.

Katara - The Cultural Village

A host of virtual competitions and events mark Eid al-Fitr celebrations organized by Katara.

The competitions include the Katara Eid contest (Question and Answer) and the Kashkha competition to be held during the four days of Eid. Participating children will be contacted via Zoom and broadcast the episodes on Katara’s accounts.

There will also be a competition for children (boys and girls) for the best Eid dress. Kids aged up to 13 can take part in this competition, which will run for three days of Eid.

Once again, Katara will hold virtual fireworks on the special occasion of Eid to delight citizens and residents of Qatar, who can view the spectacle from the comfort of their homes.

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