Qatar Central Bank declares March 1, 2026 official bank holiday

The first week of March 2026 is shaping up to be a busy period for residents and travelers across the GCC, with a major airline promotion coinciding with a scheduled banking holiday in Qatar.

While Gulf Air rolls out its large-scale “Takeoff Sale,” Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has confirmed that Sunday, March 1, 2026, will be observed as an official bank holiday.

The March 1 closure follows the provisions of Amiri Decree No. 57 of 2025, which designates the first Sunday of March each year as a fixed annual holiday for financial institutions.

The holiday applies to all banks, exchange houses, and financial institutions operating under QCB supervision. Normal working hours will resume on Monday, March 2, 2026.

With airline promotions and financial deadlines overlapping, residents in Qatar are advised to plan transactions carefully during this period.

Local interbank transfers may experience delays of up to 24 hours, as clearing systems typically pause during official holidays. Customers with time-sensitive payments, such as credit card bills or loan installments, are encouraged to settle dues in advance, ideally by Thursday, February 26, to avoid processing lags over the weekend and holiday.

Despite physical branch closures on March 1, digital banking services, mobile apps, and credit cards are expected to remain operational, allowing customers to continue making online purchases, including booking flights under Gulf Air’s promotional fares.

Bank call centers are also likely to remain available for urgent assistance, depending on individual institution policies.

With travel demand rising and financial schedules shifting, early planning will be key for residents navigating the busy start to March 2026.