Qatar orders 90-minute shop shutdown for Friday prayers

Dubai: Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has ordered most commercial and industrial establishments to close their doors for 90 minutes during Friday prayers, according to a ministerial decision published Sunday in the country’s Official Gazette.

The order, Decision No. (80) of 2025 issued by Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, requires businesses to halt operations from the first call to prayer until the conclusion of prayers. The rule takes effect the day after its publication, on August 18, 2025.

The regulation applies broadly to shops, factories, and other public establishments, though a range of essential services have been exempted. Pharmacies, hospitals, hotels, bakeries, fuel stations, telecom providers, transport services, and businesses operating around the clock under a shift system are among those allowed to remain open.

Commercial outlets at airports, seaports, and border crossings are also excluded from the requirement.

The ministry said the measure is in line with the public interest and the well-being of society. It further authorized the competent department to expand the list of exempted activities if needed.

All government authorities have been directed to implement the measure within their respective jurisdictions.