Qatar Central Bank has deployed 43 specialised automated teller machines across nine locations to simplify the long-standing Eid tradition of distributing cash gifts, known as “Eidiya”. The initiative aims to reduce queues at bank branches and provide residents with quick access to newly issued banknotes during the festive period.The machines were installed in prominent public areas and shopping destinations to allow families to withdraw neatly packaged banknotes specifically prepared for Eid celebrations. The service began operating in the weeks leading up to the Eid holiday and will remain available throughout the festival period, reflecting a coordinated effort by authorities to ease seasonal demand for small-denomination currency.
Eidiya is a widespread custom across the Gulf and many Muslim communities, where elders give children and younger relatives small sums of money as part of Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan or the festival of Eid al-Adha. Demand for crisp banknotes typically surges during these periods, placing pressure on banks and prompting long queues as families seek suitable denominations.
Officials said the introduction of dedicated machines aims to address those challenges by providing a faster, automated method of obtaining the notes commonly used for gifts. The machines dispense pre-arranged bundles of new banknotes, allowing customers to collect Eidiya quickly without requiring a visit to bank counters.
Locations for the machines include major commercial centres and public spaces across Doha and surrounding districts, ensuring accessibility for residents across the capital. By distributing the machines across nine sites, authorities hope to spread demand and prevent congestion at any single location.
Central bank representatives emphasised that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise payment infrastructure while maintaining cultural traditions that remain important to families in the country. The service also supports crowd management by limiting the need for large numbers of people to gather inside bank branches ahead of the holiday.
Banks in Qatar typically experience a surge in requests for newly issued notes before Eid, with parents and relatives seeking small denominations suitable for gifts. Financial institutions have traditionally handled this demand by allocating special counters or distributing bundles of crisp notes. The new machines automate that process and extend access beyond banking hours.
The introduction of Eidiya ATMs aligns with a wider push across the Gulf to integrate digital banking and automated services into everyday financial transactions. Financial authorities have encouraged banks to expand self-service channels, including smart ATMs capable of performing tasks that previously required branch visits.
While digital payments and mobile banking have expanded rapidly in Qatar, cash retains a strong role during religious festivals and family celebrations. Eidiya remains largely a cash-based tradition, particularly when gifts are given directly to children during family gatherings.
Financial sector analysts note that the initiative illustrates how central banks are adapting services to accommodate cultural practices while promoting efficiency in banking operations. Automated systems can handle high-volume seasonal transactions without placing additional strain on staff or infrastructure.
Retail hubs hosting the machines have also welcomed the initiative, as Eid shopping activity typically intensifies in the days leading up to the holiday. Easier access to suitable banknotes encourages spending and supports festive retail demand, particularly in malls where families gather to prepare for celebrations.
Authorities have also emphasised security and reliability, ensuring that the machines are regularly monitored and stocked with fresh currency. Banking networks collaborated with the central bank to coordinate logistics, including the preparation and distribution of new banknotes required for the initiative.
Qatar’s financial system has invested heavily in modernising payment networks during the past decade, including instant payment platforms, contactless card infrastructure and enhanced ATM services. The deployment of Eidiya ATMs represents another step in tailoring financial services to seasonal cultural needs.
Community response has been positive, with families welcoming a simpler way to obtain neatly packaged banknotes without lengthy waits. Parents often distribute Eidiya to multiple children during gatherings, making access to appropriate denominations particularly useful during the holiday.
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Qatar