You're visiting Qatar during the holy month of Ramadan, and we're sure you have plenty of questions. How will your time here be affected? What activities are permissible and prohibited? We'll do our best to address all your queries in this Ramadan guide for tourists in Qatar.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. During this holy month, Muslims observe fasting as a pillar of their faith. Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims. Alongside the five daily prayers, yearly charity, declaration of faith, and pilgrimage to Mecca, fasting during Ramadan forms one of the fundamental pillars of Islam.
The fast entails abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, or engaging in intimate relationships from sunrise to sunset. It is essential to understand a few terms related to Ramadan:
Iftar: The first meal of the day after the sunset prayer (usually around 17:40).
Suhour: The last meal before fasting commences, typically consumed late at night or in the early morning before sunrise.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. During this holy month, Muslims observe fasting as a pillar of their faith. Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims. Alongside the five daily prayers, yearly charity, declaration of faith, and pilgrimage to Mecca, fasting during Ramadan forms one of the fundamental pillars of Islam.
The fast entails abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, or engaging in intimate relationships from sunrise to sunset. It is essential to understand a few terms related to Ramadan:
Iftar: The first meal of the day after the sunset prayer (usually around 17:40).
Suhour: The last meal before fasting commences, typically consumed late at night or in the early morning before sunrise.
How will the life in the country change? Will my stay be affected?
The main change you will notice is that food establishments will be closed during the day. However, they reopen daily after sunset when Muslims break their fast. There are still a few places around the city that remain open for all-day dining. Delivery services are also available at any time of day.
Some of all day dining options during Ramadan 2024:
II Galante (Italian cuisine)
Al Sufra Restaurant (Middle Eastern cuisine)
The Asian Kitchen Doha
La Parisienne Doha (breakfast, coffee)
II Galante (Italian cuisine)
Al Sufra Restaurant (Middle Eastern cuisine)
The Asian Kitchen Doha
La Parisienne Doha (breakfast, coffee)
What rules shall we follow during our stay?
It is not permitted to eat or drink in public during Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, in accordance with Qatari law.
It is not permitted to eat or drink in public during Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, in accordance with Qatari law.
Whoever publicly eats or drinks during a day of Ramadan shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and/or a fine not exceeding three thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 3.000).
Also, you are reminded to dress modestly, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered, and to refrain from displaying expressions of affection in public.
I am upset that I came during Ramadan. Will my vacation be wasted?
Absolutely not! Despite minor inconveniences, you will witness a unique time in the life of the country. Ramadan is also a time of celebration with unique festivities and dining options happening every day. Here are some activities you can experience:
1. Visit a Ramadan tent in one of Doha's restaurants or hotels. The Ramadan tent is a once-a-year offer by all major hotels and restaurants. All-inclusive meals are available twice per day after breaking the fast (Iftar) and later at night (Suhour). Don't miss this opportunity - every year hotels go out of their way to provide the best experience for their guests during Ramadan. Many of them include live music as you dine.
2. Explore the Throwback food festival in Old Doha port (10 March - 10 April). This festival showcases Qatar's most favorite dining options in one place. The food festival welcomes guests daily after sunset (Iftar), and entrance is free.
3. Experience the Ramadan Cannon. This is a very old tradition that dates back in time. Every day at sunset, a cannon shot informs everyone in the city that it is time to stop fasting. You can witness this tradition in various locations around Qatar: Souq Waqif, Souq Al Wakrah, and others.
4. Visit celebrations around the city held at Lusail Boulevard, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb district, and many others.
If you are staying until Eid Al Fitr (the holiday marking the end of Ramadan), you will witness a country-wide celebration with fireworks, fairs, street shows, and much more! The holiday will last for a few days after approximately 10th of April.
1. Visit a Ramadan tent in one of Doha's restaurants or hotels. The Ramadan tent is a once-a-year offer by all major hotels and restaurants. All-inclusive meals are available twice per day after breaking the fast (Iftar) and later at night (Suhour). Don't miss this opportunity - every year hotels go out of their way to provide the best experience for their guests during Ramadan. Many of them include live music as you dine.
2. Explore the Throwback food festival in Old Doha port (10 March - 10 April). This festival showcases Qatar's most favorite dining options in one place. The food festival welcomes guests daily after sunset (Iftar), and entrance is free.
3. Experience the Ramadan Cannon. This is a very old tradition that dates back in time. Every day at sunset, a cannon shot informs everyone in the city that it is time to stop fasting. You can witness this tradition in various locations around Qatar: Souq Waqif, Souq Al Wakrah, and others.
4. Visit celebrations around the city held at Lusail Boulevard, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb district, and many others.
If you are staying until Eid Al Fitr (the holiday marking the end of Ramadan), you will witness a country-wide celebration with fireworks, fairs, street shows, and much more! The holiday will last for a few days after approximately 10th of April.
