Camping and desert trips in Qatar: permits, rules and safety

Who this is for

Anyone planning a night in the desert or on the coast. Hukoomi lists the winter camping permit service for citizens aged 25 and above. What the rules mean for residents and visitors who only want a day trip or a short stay is not explained on the pages we could read, so check with the Ministry before you set up a camp.

Before you start

• A permit if you are an eligible citizen who wants a winter camp: it is personal and each person may hold only one.
• An active National Authentication System (NAS) account with up-to-date details: the Ministry asks campers to keep it current.
• Money for the permit fee and the security deposit: both are paid at the time of booking.
• Safety kit: fire extinguisher and fire blanket, and a plan for the weather forecast.

Steps

1. Know the season

   The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced that the 2026-2027 winter camping season begins on 25 October 2026 and continues until 20 April 2027. Registration opened on 11 October through the Ministry's website and the Bee'ah app, in three phases by region, and reopens for all areas from 22 to 31 October 2026.

2. Apply for the winter camping permit

   Hukoomi lists 'Issue Winter Camping Permit' as an e-service of the Ministry, for citizens aged 25 and above, with no documents required and an estimated request time of 5 to 10 minutes. Sign in with your NAS account, choose the site and pay the permit fee and security deposit when you book.

3. Camp only in permitted places and follow the vehicle rules

   For this season the Ministry has banned the use or operation of motorcycles in all green arable land (rawd areas), and in all camping areas between 10:00 PM and 05:00 AM. This is aimed at protecting wildlife and natural sites. The Ministry says it will strengthen field monitoring. For ordinary road rules, fines and licences, see our guides on traffic fines and the driving licence.

4. Handle fire, waste and equipment safely

   In its earlier camping rules the Ministry said: put out all fires before sleeping or leaving the camp; keep fire extinguishers and blankets on site; keep generators away from tents; separate cooking from living areas; keep 5 to 6 metres between tents; dispose of waste only in designated containers; and do not leave camps unoccupied. Check the current season's conditions when you book, as they may have been updated.

5. Plan for weather and emergencies

   In a March 2026 advisory the Ministry told campers to follow official forecasts, stay out of coastal camps when waves are high, anchor tents well, shelter in a vehicle or cabin rather than a tent in bad weather, avoid low-lying areas and flood channels, switch off electrical power in strong wind and heavy rain, not light fires or use electrical devices during storms, and contact the relevant authorities in an emergency. For emergency numbers, see our guide on emergencies and reporting a crime.

6. Sealine: if you keep a cabin there

   In April 2026 the Ministry's Directorate of Natural Reserves activated a cabin parking permit service for Sealine Beach through the Ministry's website, after site rehabilitation works. The area can take about 250 cabins in the current phase, with expansion works under way. Cabin owners were urged to register so that parking is organised in designated areas.

Useful numbers and apps

• Environmental Operations Center (stated for permit bookings, 2024) 16066 Source

Good to know

• The permit is personal and cannot be rented or transferred, and fees paid are not refunded if you cancel (Ministry statement, 2024).
• Setting up a camp should be coordinated with a Ministry inspector, and refusing an inspection can lead to revocation of the permit (2024 conditions).
• Camping outside approved zones is prohibited, and unauthorised structures or altering the land can bring fines and permit revocation (Ministry, 2025).
• Camping permits and rules are issued by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, not the Ministry of Municipality.
• We do not list commercial desert camps or tour operators.