Your Guide to Qatar's Camping and Desert Season

Camping season is almost here. Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced that the 2026–2027 Winter Camping Season will run from 25 October 2026 until 20 April 2027, bringing months of desert, coastal and nature-reserve camping across designated areas of the country.

Registration begins on 11 October, so whether you are preparing to apply for a seasonal camp or simply planning more desert trips as the weather cools, here is what you need to know.

Qatar Winter Camping Season 2026–2027 dates

Camping season: 25 October 2026–20 April 2027

Registration begins: 11 October 2026

Registration: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change website and Bee'ah application

The Ministry is opening registration in stages according to the geographical location of camping areas.

Central region: 11–13 October

Southern region: 14–16 October

Northern region: 17–21 October

All camping areas reopen for registration: 22–31 October

Who can apply for a seasonal winter camp?

The seasonal winter-camping permit system is not the same as taking a casual desert trip or booking a commercial desert camp. Under the published 2026–2027 conditions, applicants for seasonal winter-camp permits must be Qatari nationals and at least 25 years old when applying.

Applicants should also make sure their National Authentication System account is active and their details are up to date before registration begins. When entering the camping system for the first time, applicants will be asked to enter their Qatar ID expiry date so their information can be verified.

How much does a winter camping permit cost?

The permit fee for land, coastal and nature-reserve winter camps is QAR 3,000, with a QAR 10,000 security deposit. Both the permit fee and deposit must be paid directly when making the booking, otherwise the reservation will be cancelled.

Retirees and persons with disabilities are among the categories exempt from the permit fee, according to the Ministry's updated beneficiary data. The security deposit still applies.

A QAR 1,000 fee also applies when changing a campsite from one area to another after the permit has been issued and before the site has been formally fixed by the responsible inspector.

Where can you register to camp?

The programme covers designated inland, coastal and nature-reserve camping areas around Qatar, with different locations opening on different registration dates.

The central phase includes locations such as Umm Al Afaei, Umm Al Azam, Rawdat Rashid and Rawdat Aisha, as well as the coastal areas of South Al Kharaij and Abu Samra.

Southern registration includes Sealine, Al Kharara or Jaww Al Banat, Afja Muaither, Al Naqian, Mekaines and Al Udeid.

Northern registration covers a wider group of inland, coastal and reserve locations including Al Sanaa, Al Utouriya, Al Reem Reserve, Al Khor, North Al Thakhira, Al Waab, Ras Matbakh, Arida, Al Mazroua, Bu Thaila, Saina Al Humaidi, Wadi Al Duhoul, Ras Al Nouf, Al Shamal, Al Ghishamiya, Ain Mohammed, Abu Dhalouf, Al Zubara and Al Maroona.

A new motorcycle rule applies this season

One of the main updates for 2026–2027 concerns motorcycles. Their use or operation is completely prohibited in all green arable land areas, known locally as rawd.

Motorcycles are also prohibited in all camping areas between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am. The Ministry says the measures are intended to protect wildlife and preserve natural areas during the busy camping season.

Camping safely and responsibly

Winter camping is closely connected to Qatar's outdoor culture, but the desert and coastline also require preparation. Ministry safety guidance stresses keeping fires away from tents, fully extinguishing fires and embers before leaving or sleeping, keeping gas cylinders outside tents and having suitable firefighting and first-aid equipment available.

Visitors should also protect vegetation and wildlife, dispose of waste properly and leave natural areas as they found them. When barbecuing near beaches or campsites, use suitable equipment rather than lighting a fire directly on the ground.

What if you are not applying for a seasonal camp?

You do not need to miss out on Qatar's desert season. Residents and visitors can still book organised desert safaris, commercial camping experiences and overnight stays with tourism operators, or enjoy day trips to desert and coastal destinations where public access is permitted.

Sealine is an easy starting point for desert activities, while Khor Al Adaid offers one of the country's most memorable landscapes. The Inland Sea is accessible only off-road, so visitors should use a suitable 4x4 with an experienced driver or book an organised trip.

Prepare before heading into the desert

Even during the cooler months, plan ahead before travelling into remote areas. Carry enough drinking water, food, a charged phone and basic emergency supplies. Check your vehicle, fuel level and tyres before longer desert journeys, and tell someone where you are going if you plan to travel away from populated areas.

With cooler evenings, campsites reopening and months of outdoor weather ahead, Qatar's desert season is one of the best times of the year to get beyond the city and experience the country's landscape.

--

About Qatar Living: Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial