Muslim festivals are set according to local observation of the moon’s phases, and vary annually.

Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is the feast of sacrifice, which occurs during the traditional time that Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Celebrations are held by pilgrims in Mecca and also by those remaining at home. This festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to obey God, as he demonstrated by sacrificing his son. Today, families make the sacrifice of a sheep and prepare a feast from the slaughtered animal. One-third of the food is consumed by the family; one-third is given to relatives and close friends and one-third is given to the poor. The celebrations last for three days and all businesses in Qatar close during this time.

Qatar Masters
The PGA European Tour comes to Doha for the Qatar Masters in January and although this tournament gains importance by the year, it still only manages to draw a few of Europe’s high-ranking professionals. The positive side to this is that it gives a better opportunity for up-and-coming players to make their mark and a chance for spectators to watch the big names of the game’s future.

Doha Cultural Festival
Held in March each year, the cultural festival is the biggest event of its kind in the country, presenting an exciting programme of events including music, poetry, theatre and dance. The festival, organised by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, draws local residents and visitors from around the world to this international celebration of culture. Highlights in the past have included exhibitions and demonstrations of traditional crafts and the art of falconry.

Men’s Water Ski and Wakeboard World Cup Finals
In conjunction with the IWSF, the Qatar Marine Sports Federation stages the Men's Water Ski and Wakeboard World Cup events in the sparkling waters along the Doha Corniche. This recently inaugurated annual event is a first for the region, and is quickly becoming popular with competitors and spectators as well.

Qatar Summer Wonders Festival of Fun
Held annually, the Summer Wonders Festival offers a programme of events providing lots of family entertainment that has proved to be especially popular with the kids. The Qatari Government launched this extravaganza with the objective of bringing in a greater number of tourists, with events held at parks and retail locations throughout the city for a two-month period. Features include: a tropical rainforest exhibit, camel-back and horse-back rides, an international village showcasing the foods, crafts and culture of countries around the world, contests, music, parades and a circus.

Ramadan
This is the principal religious feast of the year, which lasts the entire month. During this period, many people across the country do not let anything to pass their lips during the hours of daylight, including food, drink and cigarettes. Many shops and offices have irregular opening hours as people tend to sleep during the afternoon. Although visitors are not expected to observe Ramadan you should refrain from eating or drinking in public while the fast is taking place.

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Eid al-Fitr is the important celebration marking the end of the fasting period of Ramadan. Muslims visit family members and prepare special meals to enjoy together. They wear new clothing and give children gifts of money. Entertainment is provided in the streets, with amusement rides for the children and fireworks displays at night. Officially, the celebration lasts for three days, but if it falls during the mid-part of the week, it is likely that schools and shops will be closed for the entire week.

Class I Powerboat Races
The Qatar Marine Sports Federation presents the best in Class 1 powerboat racing at the Qatar Grand Prix, held along the Doha Corniche. Two races are held during the five days here. The popularity of this event is on the increase, particularly as a local driver won the championship in 2005.

Islamic New Year: January (date varies)
Accession of HH the Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani: 27 June
Independence Day: 3 September
Eid al Fitr: (approximately 4 days, but time and date varies)
Eid al Adha: this feast of sacrifice is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar, after the Hajj, which is the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.