Last year, I celebrated my first Eid Al Adha in Qatar. Between figuring out where to do my Udhiyah (Qurbani) in Qatar and finding an open grocery store during the Eid holidays, it was a learning curve wrapped in festive lights.
Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is the second and more significant of the two Eids celebrated by Muslims globally. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
For Muslims, it’s a spiritual and community-centered occasion. But as an expat in Qatar, there are a few extra things you should know, especially if this is your first time here during the Eid holidays in Qatar.
So, let’s walk through it all. Think of this as your unofficial, overly honest expat field guide to Eid Al Adha in Qatar.
Who Should Offer Udhiyah in Qatar (2025)?
If you’re an adult Muslim living in Qatar, whether you’re here for work, with family, or just recently moved, Udhiyah (Qurbani) might be something you’re obligated to perform this Eid Al Adha.
But how do you know for sure?
What Udhiyah (Qurbani) Obligation Means
In Islamic tradition, offering Udhiyah is wajib (mandatory) for every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth above a certain threshold, called the Nisab, during the days of Eid Al Adha.
2025 Nisab Threshold in Qatar (2025 Update)
The Nisab is calculated based on the current market price of:
- 87.48 grams of gold, or
- 612.36 grams of silver
For 2025, assuming average gold and silver rates in QAR:
- Gold Nisab (approx.): QAR 21,000 to QAR 22,500
- Silver Nisab (approx.): QAR 1,800 to QAR 2,200
Scholars generally recommend using the silver Nisab for Udhiyah because it’s more inclusive (i.e., more people qualify to offer it).
What Counts as ‘Wealth’ for Udhiyah in Qatar?
If you have assets that reach the Nisab value (based on silver) during Eid, you’re eligible. Here’s what counts:
- Cash (in hand or in your bank accounts)
- Receivables (money people owe you and are likely to repay)
- Gold and silver jewelry (especially stored for value)
- Savings and investments
- Inventory (if you’re a business owner)
Essentials like your home, car, daily-use furniture, or clothes do not count toward the Nisab.
Quick Self-Check: Are You Required to Offer Udhiyah?
Here’s a simple checklist:
If you answered YES to all, you are required to offer Udhiyah this Eid.
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Udhiya (Qurbani) in UAE
For Muslim Expats: Udhiyah (Qurbani) in Qatar 101
If you’re planning to fulfill your Udhiyah (Qurbani) obligation this Eid Al Adha in Qatar, it’s important to choose a government-recognized platform that ensures proper handling of the sacrifice, from animal welfare to Shariah compliance.
Here are some of the most reliable Udhiyah platforms in Qatar for 2025:
1. Widam Food
Widam is Qatar’s primary livestock and meat provider, often coordinating with the Ministry of Municipality during Eid seasons.
- Local Slaughter only
- You can choose your animal type (sheep, goat)
- Booking usually opens a week before Eid
- Delivery available to selected locations
- Mobile App: Yes, but Arabic interface only
- Walk-in option also available at their slaughterhouses
2. Al Meera Supermarket
Partnering with Widam, Al Meera allows pre-booking for Udhiyah.
- Local Slaughter
- Pre-packed meat collection from select Al Meera outlets
- Mobile App: Yes, with English interface
- Early booking recommended (slots fill quickly)
- Ideal for expats who prefer supermarket convenience
3. Qatar Charity
For those looking to donate Udhiyah abroad, Qatar Charity provides a global sacrifice service.
- International Udhiyah (meat distributed in low-income countries)
- Online booking available in English and Arabic
- Multiple options: goat, sheep, or 1/7 cow share
- E-certificates provided upon completion
- App available with English interface
4. Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)
QRCS also offers donation-based Udhiyah services on Eid Al Adha in Qatar, focused on humanitarian outreach.
- International Udhiyah only
- Mobile-friendly site, English available
- Transparent donation process and impact reports
- Pre-booking opens 10 days before Eid
Udhiyah (Qurbani) Booking Tips for 2025:
If it is your first time, performing udhiyah in Qatar then follow these tips:
- Book at least 5 to 7 days before Eid; especially if you’re opting for local slaughter.
- Have your QID and payment card ready for most platforms.
- Ask for a confirmation receipt or email once you’ve booked.
- For local options, check Eid day delivery or collection time slots; some deliver meat, others offer pick-up only.
Average Prices for Udhiyah (Qurbani) in Qatar (2025):
- Sheep/Goat: QAR 550 to QAR 750
- Cow (1 share): QAR 600 to QAR 850
- International donation-based Qurbani: QAR 300 to QAR 500
You can also choose to donate your Udhiyah internationally. It’s great if you want to support communities in need and avoid logistics altogether.
Platforms like Qatar Charity let you choose countries and causes. This can be a meaningful choice, especially if you’re doing Udhiyah (Qurbani) on behalf of someone.
My Udhiyah Experience in Qatar:
Honestly? I was nervous. Booking online felt too easy, like I wasn’t “doing it right.” But then, seeing the certificate and donation report from Qatar Charity made it feel real.
Later that evening, I was invited to a friend’s Eid dinner. There were three types of meat, mint lemonade, and a long discussion about goat prices.
That’s when it clicked: Eid Al Adha in Qatar here isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you share it with.
Udhiyah Laws in Qatar: What You Must Know in 2025
Qatar is organized when it comes to public safety and hygiene. The same goes on Eid Al Adha in Qatar as the Ministry of Municipality oversees slaughterhouses and ensures the process is Sharia-compliant.
Here are the basics of Udhiyah in Qatar:
- No personal home slaughter is allowed.
- Only registered facilities and platforms can perform Qurbani.
- Pre-booking is highly encouraged, especially in major cities like Doha and Al Rayyan.
If you’re doing it the traditional way (i.e., in person), arrive early. Eid mornings in Qatar get hectic!
For Non-Muslims: What to Expect During Eid Al Adha in Qatar
Even if you’re not celebrating Eid yourself, it’s good to know how Qatar shifts during this time.
1. Public Holidays
Government offices and many private companies close for 3-5 days on Eid Al Adha in Qatar. That includes embassies, banks, and often even small businesses.
2. Slower Pace, But Bigger Sales
Malls stay open (yay!) and many shops go all out with Eid sales. Think of it like the December holiday rush, but in July. It’s a great time to shop for electronics, fashion, and home items.
3. Traffic and Crowds
Eid prayers happen early in the morning, followed by family visits. You’ll notice parks, restaurants, and Corniche getting livelier, especially in the evenings.
4. Cultural Etiquette
On Eid Al Adha in Qatar, dress modestly and avoid eating/drinking in public during prayer times. If you’re invited to an Eid meal, go! It’s a warm, generous experience.
What Locals (and Long-Term Expats) Actually Do
You’ll notice that Eid Al Adha in Qatar has a rhythm:
Day 1 of Eid:
On first day of Eid Al Adha in Qatar, people will offer Eid prayers, do Udhiyah, and hold family gatherings and lunch.
Days 2–3 of Eid:
More visiting, staycations, travel, and yes, mall hopping.
Where to Go During Eid Holidays in Qatar (Especially If You’re Solo or New Here)
Eid Al Adha in Qatar brings a joyous time and a long weekend which is too good to be wasted! So, here are a few things that you can do to make Eid holidays in Qatar a memorable one.
- Aspire Park: Family-friendly and packed with life during Eid.
- Katara Cultural Village: Often has live shows, fireworks, and exhibitions.
- Souq Waqif: The heartbeat of Eid energy. Great food, shisha, music, and vibes.
- Ezdan Mall / Villaggio: For sales and people-watching.
Top Staycation Picks for Eid Al Adha in Qatar:
You can spend Eid holidays in Qatar with a lovely staycation. Go to Banana Island, The Pearl, or even a quick drive to Zekreet for a desert break.
Also Read: How to Get a 96-Hour Stay in Doha
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re doing your Udhiyah (Qurbani) in Qatar for the first time or just excited about Eid holidays in Qatar for the shopping and long weekend; this festival has something for everyone.
So yes, you might fumble a little, Google more than you expected, and maybe even miss a delivery window. But that’s part of the charm. Eid Al Adha in Qatar is big, beautiful, and full of life, and it gets better every year.
