The working week in Qatar is generally from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays. However, few businesses are closed on Friday, with just half-a-day on Thursday.
The General business hours or working hours followed in Qatar are:
Government Offices / Public Sectors / Banks
The government offices work between 6am and 2pm, while commercial offices work in two shifts – the first from 7.30am to 12noon, and next from 3.30am to 7.30pm, although this may vary. A change in timings is likely during the holy month of Ramadan, particularly in government offices, with lesser work hours. Change in working hours is also likely in few commercial offices also. Banks are open from 7.30am to 1pm, although few branches, particularly those located in shopping centers open in the evenings.
Malls and Shops
Major shopping malls open from 10am to 10pm, while majority of them close on Friday mornings. The timings for independent shops vary, but are generally from 8am to 12.30pm, and then from 4pm to 9pm. Several shops are closed on Fridays. During Ramadan, the commercial shops shut down during breaking of the fast, just after sunset, and open late in the evening.
Commercial establishments / private offices
Commercial offices work in two shifts – the first from 7.30am to 12noon, and next from 3.30am to 7.30pm, although this may vary depending on the company you work for.
A work week in Qatar private sector may vary from 40 to 48 hours per week, depending on the policy of a particular company. The office hours are usually from 8.30am or 9.00am to 5.30pm or 6pm. During Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours, but, this may not be applicable to all staff, as majority of private companies make it applicable only to Muslim employees who fast during daylight hours.
Friday is the weekly day off, but, if your company has a five-day working week, then the other day off would be Thursday or Saturday. Usually, Saturday is the popular choice for holiday among international companies