QNA
Doha
Qatar’s 2026-2027 winter camping season will begin on October 25 and continue until April 20, with registration opening on October 11 through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s website and Bee’ah application.
Announcing the details at a press conference on Thursday, ministry officials said registration would take place in three phases based on the geographical distribution of camping areas, followed by a reopening for all areas.
Registration for the central region will run from October 11 to 13, the southern region from October 14 to 16, and the northern region from October 17 to 21. Registration for all areas will reopen from October 22 to 31.
Director of the Wildlife Protection Department and Head of the Winter Camping Committee Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi said the arrangements were based on an assessment of last season’s experience and observations by field teams, with the aim of improving organisation, increasing compliance and protect heavily used camping sites. He said the phased registration system was designed to manage demand and make the booking process easier for campers.
The first phase will cover inland camping areas in Umm Al Afaei, Umm Al Azam, Rawdat Rashid and Rawdat Aisha, as well as coastal areas in South Al Kharaij and Abu Samra.
In the southern region, registration for Sealine will open on October 14, followed by Al Kharara (Jaww Al Banat), Afja Muaither, Al Naqian, Mekaines and Al Udeid on October 15. All southern camping areas will be open for registration on October 16.
The third phase will begin on October 17, covering Al Sanaa, Al Utouriya and Al Reem Reserve. Registration for Al Khor, North Al Thakhira, Al Waab, Ras Matbakh and Arida will open on October 18, followed by Al Mazroua, Bu Thaila, Saina Al Humaidi, Wadi Al Duhoul and Ras Al Nouf on October 19.
On October 20, registration will open for Al Shamal, Al Ghishamiya, Ain Mohammed, Wadi Al Duhoul, Abu Dhalouf and Al Zubara, while Al Maroona will open on October 21.
Al Nuaimi said the ministry had updated camping regulations, introducing a complete ban on the use
and operation of motorcycles in all rawd (green arable land) areas and in all camping areas between 10pm and 5am.
The restrictions are intended to protect wildlife, preserve vegetation and safeguard the natural features of these sites, he said, adding that field monitoring would focus not only on compliance but also on awareness and guidance to encourage responsible use of camping areas.
The ministry will strengthen the presence of field teams throughout the season and deploy modern technologies for monitoring and inspection to help identify and address violations and environmental concerns promptly.
Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at the ministry Dr Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri said the winter camping season was an important part of Qatari social culture and the community’s connection with the desert and nature.
He said the ministry would conduct awareness programmes and activities for campers and visitors, focusing on environmental protection, responsible waste management, preserving vegetation and wildlife, and maintaining the cleanliness of camping sites.
The initiatives will combine direct engagement with campers and educational content shared through the ministry’s digital platforms.
Al Hajri said the ministry had also launched initiatives to rehabilitate rawd, preserve vegetation and natural habitats, and strengthen biodiversity protection, efforts that would continue during the camping season.
Last season, Qatar recorded 2,991 camps, including 1,304 inland camps, 440 coastal camps and 1,247 camps in nature reserves, reflecting strong community demand for the activity.
Meanwhile, Head of the Infrastructure and Project Management Section at the ministry Aisha Mohammed Al Muhaiza said the winter camping registration system and its technical infrastructure had been upgraded to improve efficiency, stability and capacity.
She urged applicants to activate their National Authentication System accounts and ensure their personal information was up to date before registering. Campers accessing the system for the first time must also enter the expiry date of their Qatari ID card for verification.
The ministry has updated information on categories eligible for fee exemptions, including retirees and persons with disabilities, in coordination with the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority and the Ministry of Social Development and Family. Illustrative images of camping areas have also been added to the registration system following their redivision, allowing applicants to view their selected locations before completing payment. The option to select a previous inland camping location has been removed for this season.
Al Muhaiza said permit fees and security deposits must be paid immediately after booking, warning that bookings would be cancelled if payment was not completed.
The system will also automatically cancel incomplete registrations if users close their browsers before completing the process or if their registration sessions expire.
