Eid al-Fitr in Qatar 2023: A Celebration of Arab Traditions and Qatari Culture

Eid Al Fitr is a national holiday in Qatar, with businesses and schools closed in the mornings so that communities can celebrate together. As a nation with rich Arab traditions, Qatar offers a unique and memorable experience for families celebrating Eid.  

Qatar Traditions during Eid Al Fitr:

Expected to be on Friday 21st April 2023,  
Eid, which means "feast" or "festival" in Arabic, begins with a special morning Eid prayer,  when families in Qatar dress up in traditional attire and gather to worship and give thanks to Allah.

Eid Al Fitr is a time for gratitude and community, when family and friends come together to indulge in joyful meals, exchange gifts and enjoy the many Qatar traditions that form an important part of the festivities.

Some of the most popular Arab traditions during Eid include the giving of “Eidiyah”, when children and young people receive a gift of money (often in a green envelope) from members of their family, friends and even neighbours. Acts of kindness and charity are of great importance during this holiday, with families across Qatar making charitable donations (known as “Zakat al-Fitr”) to meaningful causes and people in need.


Traditional Qatari Cuisine for Eid al-Fitr:

Eid Al Fitr is an important time to celebrate the rich heritage of Qatar culture and no Eid celebration is complete without delicious food! After the morning Eid prayer, families and friends typically enjoy an exquisite feast of traditional dishes such as Balaleet (sweet vermicelli noodles), Thareed, Harees or Qatari national dish Machboos.  

Sweet treats such as Qatayef Pancakes, Maamoul (date-filled biscuits), Luqaimat (sweet dumplings) and dates are also popular during Eid Al Fitr. Many of Qatar’s best restaurants offer special Eid brunch experiences and elaborate festive menus.

Things to do in Qatar for Eid Al Fitr 2023:

As we look forward to Eid 2023 in Qatar, there are plenty of exciting events and things to do in Qatar to experience the best of Doha this festive season.

Each year, incredible Eid celebrations are held for the public across Qatar, with family friendly activities at local shopping malls, Katara Cultural Village, the Corniche, Msheireb and the Qatar National Library to name just a few! Whether you are participating in traditional activities or creating new family traditions, there are so many different experiences to choose from.

This month, the National Museum of Qatar in Doha is offering special Eid themed tours for families to learn about Eid Al Fitr in Qatar. Free to attend (with prior registration), visitors will learn about the country's rich Arab traditions and feel immersed in Qatar culture, customs, songs, traditional clothing and ornate jewellery. 

Offering fun for the whole family, The Mega Park Carnival at Al Bidda Park is set to run from 16th to 30th April (from 4pm to 1am during Eid Days), with games, theatre performances, giant balloons throughout the park and more.

Doha’s traditional marketplace, Souq Waqif is also not to be missed at this time of year, when it is transformed into a festive hub with lanterns, street food and a colourful atmosphere with live performers.


Eid 2023 in Qatar is undoubtedly set to be an unforgettable celebration of Arab traditions and Qatar culture. Eid Mubarak from the Years of Culture team!