Qatar Issues New Regulations on Friday Prayer Closures for Commercial Establishments
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced new regulations governing business operations during Friday prayers, following the issuance of Decision No. (80) of 2025 by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette (Issue No. 21) on Sunday, sets out clear rules for commercial, industrial, and similar public establishments across the country.
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Mandatory Closure During Friday Prayers
According to Article (1) of the decision, businesses are permitted to determine their own operating hours throughout the day on Fridays.
However, Article (2) specifies that all such establishments must suspend operations for a period of one and a half hours starting from the first call to prayer, ensuring compliance with religious observance and in alignment with the public interest and well-being.
Exempted Establishments
The decision outlines a list of facilities exempt from mandatory closure, given their essential nature and continuous service requirements. These include:
- Pharmacies
- Hotels and lodging facilities
- Hospitals, health centers, and private clinics
- Fuel stations
- Commercial establishments at airports, seaports, and land ports
- Telecommunication companies
- Electricity and water power-generating facilities
- Bakeries
- Airline company offices at ports of entry
- Businesses operating on a continuous shift system
- Passenger and goods transport services by land, sea, or air
- Any other activities designated by the Ministry in the public interest
Implementation and Enforcement
Article (3) stipulates that all relevant authorities, each within their jurisdiction, are responsible for implementing the decision. The regulation comes into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.
With this measure, Qatar reinforces its commitment to balancing religious practices with economic activity, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted while safeguarding the sanctity of Friday prayers.
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