All you need to know about Eid Al Adha 2020 in Qatar

Eid Al Adha 2020 is upon us and we are all set to celebrate this joyous occasion!

With preventive and precautionary measures in place against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), this year's Eid Al Adha will be quite different from what we've experienced in the previous years in Qatar.

While there may be no elaborate events across malls and other public venues, the reopening of beaches, parks, and museums, among others, gives citizens and residents some more choices to indulge in and make the best use of the Eid holidays.

Here's all you need to know about this special occasion:

Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha also called “The Feast of Sacrifice” or “The Greater Eid”, is Islam’s holiest festival.

Although it is not obligatory on all Muslims, most offer a sacrifice to gain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. Families and friends don their best clothes and visit each other and exchange food or gifts.

Eid Al Adha is also a significant time for charity. To those who can afford it, it is recommended to make an effort to reach out to those who are less fortunate.

As you celebrate the blessed occasion this year, be sure to follow the Ministry of Public Health's guidelines regarding the number of individuals at gatherings and maintaining social distancing.

Eid Holidays

Every year, the Amiri Diwan makes the official announcements regarding the Eid Al Adha holidays for all ministries, other government entities, authorities, and public institutions in Qatar.

According to the announcement, the Eid Al Adha holidays for all these entities will begin on Thursday, July 30, 2020,  and end on Thursday, August 6, 2020. Employees will go back to work on Sunday, August 9, 2020.

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has also announced that Eid holidays for all financial institutions in the country, including banks, currency exchanges, insurance companies, finance, investment, and financial consultants, will commence on Thursday, July 30, 2020, and end on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

All financial institutions return to work before the public on Sunday, August 5, 2020,

While for employees in the private sector, the number of days off varies between companies.

The first day of Eid Al Adha 2020 will likely fall on July 31. However, the official announcement will be made by the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs.

Eid Prayers

As Qatar moved into Phase 3 on July 28, additional mosques have been opened to worshippers, with all preventive and precautionary measures in place.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs on its Twitter page, worshippers can offer Eid prayers at certain mosques. This list of over 400 mosques is available here. 

Eid prayers are usually performed 15 minutes after sunrise.

Hotel Offers 

Unlike Eid Al-Fitr 2020, with the reopening of restaurants across the country, this Eid you can indulge in some scrumptious offerings at hotels in Qatar.

Make the most of some great dining offers but remember to stay safe!

All the guests will be required to show the green status on their Ehteraz App at the entrance.

The number of guests inside a restaurant will be restricted to 30 percent and the distance between the tables will be maintained. Prior reservation is recommended.

Keep a check on our guide for Eid Al Adha 2020 offers at hotels in Qatar.

Eid activities and events

Katara Cultural Village has announced that it will be holding a range of activities throughout the four days of Eid Al Adha.

There will be a drive-through distribution of gifts at some points in Katara from 5 pm to 9 pm.

One of the most anticipated of all activities and events during Eid is Katara's fireworks. This Eid Katara will be holding virtual fireworks for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. The fireworks will be displayed on Katara's website.

There are also some Eid-themed competitions that people can participate in. These include: selecting the most beautiful children's clothing during Eid by sending a picture or video of the participating child.

Katara also allocated prizes for the five winners of each competition, whether for the photo or video, and the photo or video must in high-quality resolution.

A fascinating part of Katara's Eid celebrations will be the unveiling of a five-meter-high mural which was created by 12 artists in honor of frontline healthcare workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “Mural of Gratitude for the frontline healthcare professionals in Qatar” will be showcased at the southern entrance of Katara.

All activities will be held in line with preventive and precautionary guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Public Health. 

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