The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced the launch of the 2026–2027 winter camping season, which will run from 25 October 2026 until 20 April 2027. Registration for the season will open on Sunday, 11 October 2026, through the Ministry’s website and the “Bee’ah” application.
During a press conference held today to announce the details of the season, the Ministry explained that registration will take place in three phases, according to the geographical distribution of camping areas. The first phase will cover the Central Region from 11 to 13 October, followed by the Southern Region from 14 to 16 October, and then the Northern Region from 17 to 21 October. Registration for all regions will then reopen from 22 to 31 October.
The Ministry affirmed that this year’s camping season is based on an approach focused on achieving a balance between enjoying the local environment and preserving its natural components, while promoting the responsible use of terrestrial and coastal sites and nature reserves. This approach builds on observations and experiences recorded during previous seasons, as well as the Ministry’s ongoing programs to protect and rehabilitate the terrestrial and marine environment.
In this context, Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri, Director of the Public Relations and Communication Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, affirmed that the winter camping season holds particular importance for Qatari society as part of its social culture and connection with the land and nature. He noted that the Ministry is keen to provide suitable conditions for this activity while ensuring the preservation and sustainability of natural sites.
He explained that, alongside the camping season, the Ministry will implement a package of awareness programs and activities targeting campers and visitors to terrestrial areas. These programs will focus on promoting sound environmental practices, preserving terrestrial and coastal sites, protecting vegetation cover and wildlife, raising awareness of proper waste management practices, and maintaining the cleanliness of camping sites. He noted that the awareness programs during the season will rely on direct communication with campers, in addition to awareness content disseminated through the Ministry’s digital platforms, to ensure that environmental messages reach the widest possible audience.
He noted that the camping season represents an opportunity to promote the concept of responsible environmental use, whereby enjoying terrestrial areas and coastlines go hand in hand with preserving them. He pointed out that responsibility for protecting natural sites does not rest solely with the competent authorities but is a shared responsibility in which campers and visitors to terrestrial areas are key partners.
He highlighted that the Ministry’s approach over the past period has focused on strengthening the protection of the local environment by launching initiatives to rehabilitate rawdats and preserve vegetation cover, terrestrial and coastal areas, and natural habitats, in addition to raising community awareness of the importance of conserving biodiversity. The Ministry seeks to further reinforce these efforts during the camping season.
He noted that the previous camping season witnessed significant participation, with a total of 2,991 camps, including 1,304 terrestrial camps, 440 marine camps, and 1,247 camps in nature reserves. He affirmed that the level of participation reflects the importance of the season to the community, while also highlighting the importance of continuing to develop procedures and services provided to campers.
He stressed that the success of the camping season is measured not only by the number of participants, but also by the level of environmental compliance and the condition of sites after the end of the season. He noted that the Ministry will continue its awareness programs and direct communication with campers and visitors to terrestrial and marine areas and nature reserves to promote this culture.
For his part, Mr. Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, Director of the Terrestrial Protection Department and Chairman of the Winter Camping Season Affairs Organizing Committee, explained that the arrangements approved for the current season were developed in light of the evaluation of last season’s experience and the observations recorded by specialized field teams, with the aim of continuing to improve organization, enhance compliance, and protect sites that experience high levels of use during the winter months.
He said that dividing registration into three geographical phases aims to organize demand and facilitate the booking process. He explained that the first phase, from 11 to 13 October, covers the Central Region and includes the terrestrial camping areas of Umm Al Afai, Umm Al Ezam, Rawdat Rashed, and Rawdat Aisha, while the marine camping areas include South Al Kharaij and Abu Samra.
He added that the second phase, from 14 to 16 October, is dedicated to the Southern Region. Registration for Sealine will begin on 14 October. On 15 October, registration will open for Al Khararah (“Jou Al Banat”), Afja Meaidher, Al Naqiyan, Mekenes, and Al Adaid, while all Southern Region areas will be opened for registration on 16 October.
He noted that the third phase covers the Northern Region from 17 to 21 October. Registration will begin on 17 October for Al Sani’ and Al Otouriya for terrestrial camping, in addition to Al Reem Nature Reserve among the designated nature-reserve camping areas. On 18 October, registration will begin for Al Khor, North Al Thakhira, and Al Waab for terrestrial camping, as well as Ras Matbakh and Al Areedah for marine camping. On 19 October, registration will open for Al Mazrouah, Bouthaila, Sani Al Humaidi, and Wadi Al Dahool for terrestrial camping, in addition to Ras Al Nouf for marine camping.
He continued by saying that registration will begin on 20 October for Al Shamal, Al Ghashamiyah, Ain Mohammed, and Wadi Al Dahool for terrestrial camping, in addition to Abu Al Zoulouf and Al Zubarah for marine camping. Registration will conclude on 21 October with the opening of registration for Al Maroona for marine camping.
Al Nuaimi affirmed that the camping requirements for this season have been updated with regard to the use of motorcycles. The updated requirements include a total ban on using or riding motorcycles inside all rawdats, as well as a ban on using or riding motorcycles in all camping areas from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. He noted that these requirements aim to protect wildlife and preserve rawdats and their natural components.
He explained that the regulations governing camping are intended to provide campers with a safe and organized environment while protecting terrestrial and marine sites from any practices that may negatively affect them. He stressed that field monitoring is not an end in itself, but rather a tool for awareness, guidance, and ensuring the responsible use of sites.
The Director of the Terrestrial Protection Department noted that the Ministry will continue to strengthen the presence of its field teams at various sites throughout the season and make use of modern tools and technologies in monitoring and inspection activities. This will help facilitate the rapid detection and handling of observations and preserve natural sites.
Electronic Services
Regarding electronic services, Aisha Mohammed Al Muhaiza, Head of the Infrastructure and Project Management Section at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, affirmed that the Ministry has updated the registration system for the winter camping season and its supporting technical infrastructure to enhance system efficiency and stability, increase its readiness to receive applications, and facilitate the registration process for citizens.
She called on campers to ensure in advance that their accounts in the National Authentication System are activated and their information is updated, particularly since access to the camping system is through these accounts. She noted that when accessing the camping system for the first time, the camper is required to enter the expiry date of the ID card to verify the accuracy of the data before completing the registration procedures.
She pointed out that the Ministry has updated the data of the categories eligible for exemption from registration fees, namely retirees and persons with disabilities, in coordination with the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority and the Ministry of Social Development and Family, to ensure the accuracy of the data registered in the system.
She affirmed that illustrative images of camping areas have been added following their redivision, enabling campers to view an image of the selected area during registration and before completing payment. She also explained that the option to select the previous site for terrestrial camps has been cancelled for this season.
She noted that the permit fee and security deposit must be paid immediately upon booking, adding that the booking will be considered cancelled if payment is not made. The system will also automatically cancel incomplete registrations if the browser is closed before the procedures are completed or if the registration session expires.
Regarding payment information, she explained that when applicants proceed to the bank’s page to complete the transaction, they will be required to enter the camper’s address. She recommended using the camper’s own bank card to facilitate the process of refunding the security deposit after the end of the season.
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