Second "Purple Saturday 2026" Initiative Launched to Promote Inclusive Shopping Experience

DOHA — Qatar has launched the second edition of its "Purple Saturday" initiative, the national campaign dedicated to promoting an inclusive shopping and service experience for persons with disabilities, with commercial establishments across the country invited to take part.

The initiative is organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and Qatar Tourism, through its promotional arm Visit Qatar. Held annually on the last Saturday of July, the campaign aims to support and empower persons with disabilities by highlighting their rights and encouraging commercial and service establishments to provide a more inclusive and accessible environment

How the Initiative Works

Purple Saturday offers persons with disabilities exclusive discounts, offers, and tailored services at participating hotels, restaurants, retailers, and attractions across Qatar. In the campaign's inaugural edition, eligible individuals were able to enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent at selected venues, with offers and services extending for several days beyond the Saturday itself.
To access the benefits, eligible individuals present their disability identification card issued by the Community Care Department, or the digital identification card available through the Ministry of Social Development and Family. Businesses wishing to support and participate in the initiative can register through the Single Window Portal on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry website.

Building on a Successful First Edition

Qatar launched the inaugural Purple Saturday campaign on July 26, 2025, with offers running through August 1. That first edition drew participation from a range of hotels, retailers, and service providers, and included free access for persons with disabilities to the Qatar Toy Festival at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Major private-sector companies also joined the campaign, displaying the Purple Saturday logo across their platforms and offering exclusive discounts.

Part of a Gulf-Wide Movement

Purple Saturday extends a Gulf-wide endeavour first launched in Saudi Arabia in 2021, which has since expanded to include several GCC countries, including Bahrain. Its growth across the region underscores a unified Gulf vision to promote dignity and equal opportunities for all members of society, particularly persons with disabilities.

The colour purple is recognised globally as the symbol of diversity, disability awareness, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities worldwide, lending the campaign its name and visual identity.

Aligned With Qatar's Commitments

The campaign aligns with Qatar's long-standing efforts to integrate persons with disabilities into all facets of society, reflected in the country's early ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008. Officials say the initiative seeks to create tangible impact through collaboration between the public and private sectors, moving beyond symbolic gestures toward sustained, meaningful change in how businesses serve customers with disabilities.