Camping in Qatar is more than a pastime; it is a deeply embedded tradition and a vibrant social and cultural ritual that bridges generations, linking today's young people with the mores of their forebears who carried the essence of urban life into the desert and the sea during certain seasons of the year.
This tradition transcends leisure. It embodies a collective yearning for simplicity and communion with nature, a return to the roots of customs, traditions, and heritage, yet one infused today with modern amenities that mirror the country's broader social development.
Over the decades, camping in Qatar has undergone a striking transformation.
What began as simple open-air tents has evolved into enclosed, climate-controlled structures and mobile cabins fitted with advanced technologies that shield against winter cold and summer heat.
As each camping season opens, the sight of tents and mobile homes dotting the country's northern, southern, and central regions becomes a familiar landscape for citizens and residents alike.
Camping has ceased to be a weekend escape and has matured into a lifestyle.
Some campers commute daily from designated sites back to their homes, while others restrict their stays to weekends.
Many citizens embrace one- or two-month residencies, while a dedicated group spends the full six-month season living in their camping units.
Among the most prominent coastal destinations stands Sileen, stretching towards Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea), where rolling dunes and pristine waters converge in a rare natural tableau of desert and sea.
In the north, Al Ghariya Beach offers an idyllic site for tranquil weekend retreats, framed by clear waters and soft sands.
The practice thrives in winter and spring, as desert safari enthusiasts engage in dune bashing, horse and camel riding, and the use of all-terrain vehicles such as quad bikes and beach buggies.
Evenings are often marked by barbecue gatherings, heightening the communal spirit of the campgrounds.
Demand for camping continues to surge.
Last season alone, 2,860 camps were established, 1,315 inland, 433 coastal, and 1,112 inside designated reserves.
Registration for the current season opened on October 1 and runs until October 14, with a second window from October 15 to November 15 for sites still available.
To organise participation efficiently, this year's registration has been structured according to geography, notably the Central Region, including Umm Al A'tham, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, South Al Kharayyij, Abu Samra, and the Zakreet Coastal Reserve, opened first, the Southern Region, covering the Sileen Reserve on October 5 and Al Naqian, Al Khararah, Mekaines, Sileen, and Khor Al Adaid from October 6-8, and all northern sites be available for registration from October 9-14.
To ensure a safe, sustainable, and orderly camping experience, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has established a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Camping permits are required for all participants and are issued exclusively to Qatari nationals over the age of 25.
Campers must observe designated sites, while dispersed camping outside approved zones is prohibited.
Compliance with quiet hours, public cleanliness, and environmental protection is mandatory, and all fees and deposits must be submitted electronically.
Rules cover vehicle and trailer usage, campfire safety, food storage, and pet control, while violations, including unauthorised structures or alteration of land, may result in fines and permit revocation.
Maximum duration limits apply to ensure fair and equitable use of all sites throughout the season.
In parallel, the MoECC has launched the 2025-26 Sustainable Environmental Camp Award, which recognises five camps that exemplify best practices in environmental stewardship.
Awarded camps demonstrate excellence in resource conservation, protection of biodiversity, and promotion of recycling, reinforcing the ministry's commitment to sustainable and responsible camping. – QNA
