Winter Camping Season in Qatar 2026-27: Who Can Camp, the Rules and What Residents Can Do

Every winter, desert camping is one of the most popular things to do in Qatar, and every winter residents ask the same question: can I camp? The answer is more limited than many guides suggest. This guide uses Marhaba's report on the MOECC announcement (6 October 2026) and Qatar Living's camping guide (4 October 2026). Penalties, guest rules and rules for non-Qataris are not covered in those reports, so we say so where it matters. It is general information, not legal advice.

When is the camping season?

The MOECC announced that the 2026-27 winter camping season runs from 25 October 2026 to 20 April 2027, with sites on land, on the coast and in designated nature reserves. Registration was staged by region: central areas from 11 to 13 October, southern from 14 to 16 October, northern from 17 to 21 October, and all areas from 22 to 31 October, through the ministry's website or the Bee'ah app. If you read this after those dates, check the ministry for any remaining availability.

Who can get a seasonal camping permit?

Qatar Living reports that applicants must be Qatari citizens aged 25 or older, and must register through the National Authentication System (Tawtheeq). First time users verify their details with their Qatari ID expiry date. Qatar Living's guide does not say that expats can get a seasonal winter camping permit. If you are a resident, ask the ministry directly rather than assuming you can apply through a Qatari friend or employer.

What does it cost?

The fee and deposit must be paid at booking or the reservation is cancelled. Marhaba says the ministry advises paying with the camp owner's bank card so the deposit can be refunded at the end of the season.

Where are the camping areas?

Qatar Living lists areas by region:

• **Central:** Umm Al Afaei, Umm Al Azam, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, South Al Kharaij and Abu Samra.
• **Southern:** Sealine, Al Kharara (Jaww Al Banat), Afja Muaither, Al Naqian, Mekaines and Al Udeid.
• **Northern:** among others Al Sanaa, Al Utouriya, Al Reem Reserve, Al Khor, Ras Matbakh, Al Shamal, Al Zubara and Wadi Al Duhoul.

Sealine is described as an easy starting point for desert activities, and Khor Al Adaid is noted for its landscapes. You must camp only in the site named on your permit, and moving a campsite needs prior approval.

The rules campers must follow

• Keep at least 5 meters between tents.
• Keep kitchens separate from sleeping tents, keep cooking areas away from gas stoves, and store gas cylinders outside tents.
• Keep fires away from tents and fully put out fires and embers before you sleep or leave.
• Keep the site clean, use designated waste containers and follow approved procedures for household waste and wastewater.
• Use energy efficient, dim lighting aimed only where needed.
• **Motorcycles:** Marhaba says they are banned in camping areas and parks. Qatar Living says they are prohibited in green arable land (rawd) and in camping areas from 10 pm to 5 am. The two reports differ, so assume no motorcycles near camps.
• Carry firefighting and first aid equipment.

The reports we read do not list penalties, rules for guests or specific rules for non-Qatari campers.

What can residents and visitors do instead?

Qatar Living says residents and visitors can still join organized desert safaris, commercial camping experiences and overnight stays with tourism operators, and can make day trips to desert and coastal destinations where public access is permitted. For beaches, see beaches in Qatar. To reach the desert you may need a suitable vehicle: the Inland Sea is accessible only off-road, and Qatar Living advises a suitable 4x4 with an experienced driver or an organized trip. See car rental companies in Qatar, and check what you cannot bring into Qatar if you are traveling with equipment.

Safety checklist for a desert day trip

• Check your vehicle, fuel and tires before a long desert drive.
• Bring drinking water, food, a charged phone and basic emergency supplies.
• Tell someone where you are going if you leave populated areas.
• Do not drive off-road without a suitable vehicle and experience.
• Respect vegetation and wildlife, and leave the site as you found it.
• If you fly a drone, read the drone law in Qatar first.
• Dress for cool evenings. See dress code in Qatar.

What we could not verify

• Penalties for breaking the camping rules.
• Whether non-Qataris can apply for a seasonal permit in any way.
• The ministry's own announcement text, which we read through Marhaba and Qatar Living reports.