Qatar Launches Purple Saturday Campaign to Promote Disability Inclusion

Qatar officially launched its first-ever Purple Saturday campaign yesterday, July 26, 2025. The groundbreaking initiative, led by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Tourism through Visit Qatar, aims to enhance accessibility and empower persons with disabilities across all aspects of Qatari society.

Purple Saturday is more than a symbolic gesture, it marks the beginning of a broader societal shift. Running from July 26 to August 1, the inaugural edition features a series of exclusive offers, discounts, and tailored services at participating businesses and organizations, all designed to promote equal access and opportunity.

The campaign is underpinned by Qatar’s early commitment to disability rights, including the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008. It also aligns with the country’s ongoing Third National Strategy (2024–2030), which places a strong emphasis on sustainable development, social equity, and inclusive growth.

Central to the initiative is the MSDF-issued electronic card, which enables persons with disabilities to access campaign benefits easily. These include free weekly passes for public transport provided by Qatar Rail and Metrotram Qatar, ensuring smooth mobility throughout the campaign period.

Private sector participation is also robust. Leading companies such as Snoonu, a local delivery app, and ride-hailing platform Rafeeq have rolled out special discounts and enhanced accessibility features, further supporting the initiative’s reach and impact.

The campaign reflects Qatar’s long-standing commitment to inclusion. The country has made significant strides in supporting persons with disabilities, including the creation of professional rehabilitation centers and its endorsement of the Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities (2023–2032) a regional framework for empowerment and integration.

Qatar’s inclusive vision was globally recognized during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was hailed as the most accessible edition in tournament history. Features such as sensory rooms, accessible seating, and the Al Shafallah Center at Hamad International Airport showcased the nation’s dedication to universal access.

The Purple Saturday campaign has been met with widespread public approval. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with positive reactions from users applauding Qatar’s leadership in promoting disability inclusion.

In October 2025, Qatar will take this momentum further by hosting the Multidimensional Arab Social Development Forum, reinforcing its status as a regional pioneer in social development and inclusive policy-making.

By launching Purple Saturday, Qatar is not only offering immediate benefits to thousands of residents and visitors with disabilities—it is setting a powerful example for sustained societal change. The initiative invites everyone to explore exclusive offers on the Visit Qatar platform, encouraging greater participation in the nation's rich cultural and commercial experiences.

With Purple Saturday, Qatar is proving that inclusion is not a privilege, it’s a right, and a way of life.