Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has officially unveiled the Winter Camping Season 2025-2026, scheduled to run from October 15, 2025, to April 15, 2026. Registration for the event will begin on October 1 and run through October 14, available via the ministry's official website and the "Be'ah" mobile application. It will reopen from October 15 to November 15 for areas where spots will remain available.
According to Qatar News Agency, the announcement was made during a press conference attended by key ministry officials and stakeholders, who provided an overview of the latest updates on regulations and environmental guidelines for this year's season. The conference also highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and sustainable camping experience for all participants. MoECC's Public Relations Director, Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri, emphasized the importance of camping as a platform for fostering community engagement with Qatar's environment and promoting environmental awareness.
He noted that the previous season saw a total of 2,860 camps, including 1,315 land camps, 433 sea camps, and 1,112 located within protected nature reserves. Meanwhile, Director of the Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, explained the three-phase registration process based on geographic location: October 1-4 for the central region, October 5-8 for the southern region, and October 9-14 for the northern region.
Al Nuaimi further outlined key regulations for campers, including requirements for applicants to be Qatari nationals aged 25 or older. Applicants must also pay registration fees and insurance through the ministry's electronic system, maintain cleanliness, and avoid causing harm to the environment. He added that any violations will result in fines and potential revocation of permits. Insurance for unconfirmed camps will not be refunded after 30 days, and any reservation not confirmed within this period will automatically be canceled. The camping permit is personal and cannot be transferred or subleased.
Assistant Head of the Environmental Security Department at the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Lt. Colonel Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, underscored the importance of campers adhering to environmental regulations to ensure a safe and eco-friendly season. In alignment with Qatar's commitment to environmental sustainability, MoECC's Director of Planning and Quality Department, Aisha Al Baker, announced the launch of the Sustainable Environmental Camping Award 2025-2026, recognizing five camps that demonstrate exemplary environmental practices.