Qatar Announces 2026-27 Winter Camping Season Starting October 25

Doha, October 01, 2026 : The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced that Qatar’s 2026-2027 winter camping season will begin on October 25 and run until April 20, with registration opening on October 11 through the ministry’s website and the Bee’ah application.

Registration will be conducted in three phases according to the geographical distribution of camping areas, followed by a period during which registration will be available for all areas.

The first phase, covering the central region, will run from October 11 to 13. The second phase for southern areas will take place from October 14 to 16, while registration for northern areas will run from October 17 to 21. Registration for all areas will subsequently 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 for this season were developed based on an assessment of last season, including observations made by specialized field teams.

He said the phased registration system aims to manage demand and make the booking process easier, while strengthening compliance and protecting heavily used camping sites during the winter months.

The first registration phase will cover inland camping areas in Umm Al Afaei, Umm Al Azam, Rawdat Rashid and Rawdat Aisha, along with the coastal areas of South Al Kharaij and Abu Samra.

For 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 available for registration on October 16.

Registration for northern areas will begin on October 17, covering Al Sanaa, Al Utouriya and Al Reem Reserve. Additional inland and coastal areas will be opened progressively through October 21.

The ministry has also introduced updated regulations concerning motorcycles. Under the new rules, motorcycles are prohibited in all rawd (green arable land) areas, as well as in all camping areas between 10pm and 5am.

Al Nuaimi said the measures aim to protect wildlife, preserve vegetation and safeguard the natural characteristics of camping areas.

He added that the ministry would increase the presence of field teams throughout the season and use modern monitoring and inspection technologies to identify and address violations while protecting natural sites.

Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at the ministry Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri said the winter camping season holds particular importance in Qatari society, reflecting the community’s connection with the desert and nature.

He said the ministry would conduct awareness programs targeting campers and visitors, focusing on environmental protection, responsible waste management, site cleanliness and the preservation of vegetation and wildlife.

The ministry also plans to use its digital platforms to distribute educational content and promote responsible camping practices.

Al Hajri said last season recorded 2,991 camps, including 1,304 inland camps, 440 coastal camps and 1,247 camps in nature reserves, highlighting the continued popularity of the winter camping season and the importance of maintaining sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, Head of the Infrastructure and Project Management Section at the ministry Aisha Mohammed Al Muhaiza said the electronic registration system and supporting infrastructure had been upgraded to improve efficiency, stability and the overall registration experience.

Campers are advised to ensure that their accounts on the National Authentication System are activated and that their personal information is up to date before registration.

The ministry has also updated information on categories eligible for fee exemptions, including retirees and persons with disabilities, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The upgraded system will allow campers to view images of selected camping areas before completing their bookings. The option to select a previous inland camping location has also been removed for this season.

The ministry clarified that the permit fee and security deposit must be paid immediately after booking, otherwise the booking will be canceled. Incomplete applications may also be automatically canceled if the browser is closed before the registration process is completed or if the session expires.

The ministry encouraged citizens planning to camp this season to review the regulations and prepare their electronic accounts and required information ahead of registration.

Source: QNA