All you need to know about Eid al-Adha 2023 in Qatar
In Qatar, the arrival of Eid is met with great anticipation and cherished by all. This year, the much-awaited Eid al-Adha holidays coincide with the summer break, adding extra excitement to the celebrations. As the country prepares for this joyous occasion, families and individuals eagerly start looking forward to embracing the spirit of the festival and making the most of the cherished holidays.
With a graceful blend of tradition and leisure, Qatar sets the stage for a wonderful Eid experience promising moments of joy, reflection, and connection.
Here’s our guide on celebrating Eid al-Adha in Qatar along with a list of suggestions of things to do during the Eid holidays.
When will Eid al-Adha 2023 be celebrated?
Eid al-Adha, the festival marking the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, is the second of the two Eids observed by Muslims around the world. The Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has recently declared that astronomically, the first day of the pilgrimage month of Dhul Hijjah in this Hijri year of 1444 will occur on Monday, June 19, 2023. It was further noted that the day of Arafat will fall on June 27, 2023 while Eid al-Adha celebrations will take place on June 28, 2023.
Find out more about the official dates here.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha holds deep importance as one of the most major religious festivals observed by Muslims around the world. The Eid of sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) unwavering commitment to his faith, symbolized by his readiness to sacrifice his dutiful son Ismail (AS), until divine intervention stopped him and ordered him to ritually sacrifice an animal instead.
Since then, Eid al-Adha has occurred annually as a festival of sacrifice, where those with means partake in the ritualistic slaughter of cattle, including cows, goats, sheep, or camels; traditionally distributing the cuts among loved ones and family, the needy and the poor.
When will Eid al-Adha 2023 holidays fall in Qatar?
Historically, Qatar celebrates the festival of Eid al-Adha by declaring a 3 day public holiday for all public and private institutions, schools and financial institutions.
Watch this space for exact dates, which will be updated following a formal announcement.
Where will the Eid al-Adha prayers be held?
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (AWQAF) is yet to announce the list of mosques and prayer grounds for Eid prayers. However, Qatar Foundation (QF) has announced that Eid prayers will be held at Education City Stadium, after success in hosting prayers for Eid al-Fitr at the same venue in April this year. QF further noted that prayers are scheduled to begin at 5 am with Eid festivities continuing till 9 am at the Education City Mosque.
Find out more about Eid prayers at Education City Stadium here.
Watch this space for an updated list of mosques and prayer grounds for Eid prayers.
Where to get animals sacrificed for Eid al-Adha in Qatar?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated by offering a sacrifice of either a sheep, goat, camel or cow by those who can afford it. The sacrifice can be done between the first to fourth day of Eid al Adha. The sacrifice is divided into three portions, with one portion reserved for oneself and the rest distributed amongst the needy and family and friends.
In the past, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), together with the Ministry of Municipality teamed up with the Widam food company to regulate the purchase of cattle for sacrifice. This year Widam announced three places for the lamb slaughter which are:
- Central Wakrah Slaughterhouse
- Al Shahaniyah Slaughterhouse
- Umm Salal Central Market Slaughterhouse
For more information about selecting your offering for Eid, call 8000056.
Tips to keep in mind when selecting your animal for sacrifice
According to the guidelines issued by Widam, the animal that is considered valid for the sacrifice should meet the following criteria:
- It should be at least one year old
- It should be blemish free (It should not have been docked or castrated)
- The horns should not be broken if the animal has horns.
- The animal should not have open wounds, sores, torn ears or be lame footed.
What can you do for the Eid al-Adha holidays?
You can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for Eid al-Adha this year. Eid celebrations will be taking place at these places this year:
Katara Cultural Village
- What to expect: Fireworks at Katara Beach
- Date: June 28 - June 30, 2023
Al Shaqab
- What to expect: Eid al-Adha festival for families featuring pony rides, boucy castle, archery, face painting, henna, stage shows and more.
- Date: June 29 - July 1, 2023
Watch this space for more outdoor festivities during the Eid al-Adha holidays.
If you are not a big fan of braving Qatar’s hot summer temperatures, you could also opt to explore Qatar's popular indoor attractions, indulge in a delightful staycation at one of Qatar's top-notch hotels, embrace personal growth by enrolling in skill-enhancing classes. Expand your horizons and make the most of the season by engaging in these enjoyable and enriching experiences.
Suggestions for popular indoor attractions: 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, National Museum of Qatar, Hamad Port Visitors Center and Panda House
Find out more about popular indoor attractions here.
Enjoy a fun-filled staycation at these places in Qatar: Park Hyatt, Mondrian Doha, JW Marriott Marquis Doha and Rixos Gulf Hotel
Find out more about hotel staycations and dining offers at hotels in Qatar for Eid al-Adha holidays here.
Pick up a new skill: Join an arts class, learn martial arts, sign up for gymnastics classes or try some yoga and pilates.
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