Qatar has begun preparations for the 2026-2027 winter camping season, with authorities registering 141 camps within the first two hours of the opening of the registration period. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has introduced streamlined procedures aimed at simplifying the application process for citizens while ensuring environmental protection.
Registration began at the Land Protection Department office in Duhail, where special provisions were made to assist senior citizens and people with disabilities. The office was staffed with dedicated personnel to guide applicants through the process. Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the first day, 97 land camps and 44 marine camps were registered, according to Hamad Salem al-Nuaimi, director of the Land Protection Department and chairman of the ministry’s Winter Camping Committee. Al-Nuaimi, along with Salim Qadri al-Yami, assistant director and head of the field camping team, oversaw the process to ensure applicants received necessary support.
Applicants expressed appreciation for the efficient service and the welcoming environment, with many completing registration within minutes. Senior citizens benefited from a waiver of registration fees, although the security deposit requirement remains in place.
Following directives from HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, the ministry aims to organize camping locations in a structured and environmentally conscious manner. The central region has been assigned 500 camping sites spanning areas such as Umm Al Arafi, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, the Umm Al Udam Road area, Al Kharaj, and Abu Samra. A team of 30 inspectors has been designated to handle site allocation in this region. Applications are electronically forwarded to inspectors who then contact applicants to confirm locations. When necessary, inspectors conduct site visits to finalize allocations. If a requested site is deemed unsuitable due to environmental or regulatory concerns, applicants receive offers for the closest appropriate alternatives.
The ministry plans to complete site allocations in the central region within three days before moving inspection efforts to the southern and northern regions. The northern region, noted as one of Qatar’s most popular camping destinations after Sealine, includes approximately 600 camps covering land, marine, and protected areas. Allocation for camps within protected zones at Sealine and Al Adaid will be managed by the Department of Nature Reserves.
Authorities aim to finalize all camp allocations by October 25, enabling campers to begin setting up from that date. Regular campers highlighted the season’s importance as a means to relax and bond with family and friends. Bashir Abdullah described camping as an opportunity to escape daily routines, while Khalid al-Ruwailei emphasized its cultural value, noting how the tradition helps introduce children to Qatari customs such as hospitality and Arabic coffee preparation. Other campers appreciated the flexibility in site selection and the speed of the registration process.
The ministry intends to increase inspection efforts throughout the season to preserve natural landscapes and vegetation. Al-Nuaimi cautioned that violations could lead to penalties including permit cancellation, forfeiture of security deposits, and potential removal of camps. Damage to protected green areas could trigger further enforcement actions.