Annual Leave and Public Holidays in Qatar
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
All workers in Qatar are entitled to paid annual leave:
- Less than 5 years of service: 3 weeks (21 days) of paid leave per year.
- 5 or more years of service: 4 weeks (28 days) of paid leave per year.
- You must complete one year of continuous service to qualify. After that, leave accrues from the start of each service year.
- Your employer must pay your leave salary before you start your leave.
- Qatar observes approximately 10 public holidays per year, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day (18 December), and National Sports Day (second Tuesday of February). These are paid days off.
If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to another day off or your basic wage plus 50%.
When does it apply?
- You have completed at least one year of continuous service with your employer.
- You are denied annual leave or not paid during your leave period.
- You are required to work on a public holiday without extra compensation.
What to Do If Your Qatar Employer Refuses Your Annual Leave
- Request your leave in writing and keep a copy of the request.
- If your employer refuses your leave, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008).
- Upon termination, you are entitled to payment for unused annual leave — this is part of your final settlement.
- Check your contract for any leave terms that are more generous than the legal minimum.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not forfeit your leave. Unused leave should be taken or paid out — it does not simply disappear.
- Do not accept unpaid leave when the law entitles you to paid leave.
- Do not confuse sick leave with annual leave. They are separate entitlements under the Labour Law.
Common Questions
When does it apply — annual leave and public holidays?
You have completed at least one year of continuous service with your employer.You are denied annual leave or not paid during your leave period.You are required to work on a public holiday without extra compensation.
What should I do if my employer in Qatar refuses to approve my annual leave?
Request your leave in writing and keep a copy of the request.If your employer refuses your leave, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008).Upon termination, you are entitled to payment for unused annual leave — this is part of your final settlement.Check your contract for any leave terms that are more generous than the legal minimum.
What should you NOT do — annual leave and public holidays?
Do not forfeit your leave. Unused leave should be taken or paid out — it does not simply disappear.Do not accept unpaid leave when the law entitles you to paid leave.Do not confuse sick leave with annual leave. They are separate entitlements under the Labour Law.