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Saturday, December 13, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Winter" (13 articles)

Gulf Times
Qatar

Moderate, partly cloudy weather expected today

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be hazy to misty at first at places, becoming moderate in temperature daytime with scattered clouds to partly cloudy, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, the weather will see scattered clouds to partly clouds, the Meteorology Department added.Winds along the coast will be mostly southeasterly to southerly at speeds between 5-15 knots, with gusts sometimes reaching 19 knots. At sea, they will be mostly southeasterly to southerly at speeds between 7-17 knots.Sea state inshore will range between 1-3 feet, while offshore it will range between 2-4 feet.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4-9 km/3 km, or less at places at first. Offshore visibility will range between 4-9 km.AreaHigh TideLow TideMin Max------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha09:19-**:**03:01-17:2623 28Mesaieed10:56-**:**19:55-**:**22 26Wakrah09:54-23:0318:29-**:**24 27Al Khor19:36-09:14**:**-03:2217 27Ruwais09:14-22:0403:22-16:1718 28Dukhan02:21-14:2108:17-20:5118 26Abu Samra01:57-14:2107:49-22:1018 28Sunrise: 06:09 LTSunset: 16:45 LT------------------

A displaced Palestinian woman removes water at a flooded tent camp, during a rainy day in Gaza City, Tuesday.
Region

Floods swamp homeless Palestinians' tents in Gaza as winter looms

Heavy rain caused flooding in the Gaza Strip Tuesday, swamping the tents of thousands of homeless Palestinians facing the prospect of harsh winter storms without sturdy shelter.The large majority of Gaza's 2mn people were forced from their homes during Israel's two-year ground and air war in the small, crowded enclave triggered by Hamas' October 2023 storming of Israel, with many now living in tents and other basic shelters.**media[385952]**A ceasefire has broadly held since mid-October but the war demolished much of heavily built-up Gaza, including basic infrastructure, leaving grim living conditions for most people.**media[385953]**"This suffering, this rain — and the low-pressure weather systems haven’t even started yet. It’s only the beginning of winter, and we’re already flooded and humiliated," Um Ahmed Aowdah said outside her tent as rain pelted down Tuesday. "We haven’t received new tents or tarps. Our tarp is two years old and our tent is two years old — they’re completely worn out."**media[385951]**Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, said there was an urgent need for at least 300,000 new tents to house the roughly1.5mn people still displaced from their homes.The Palestinian Civil Defence Service said thousands of tents housing displaced families had been inundated by rainwater or damaged by torrential rainstorms over the past week.**media[385954]**Some tents completely washed away as floodwaters rose 40 to 50 centimetres above ground level in some areas of the coastal enclave, while a field hospital had to suspend operations due to flooding, medics and witnesses said.The UN said on Monday that while it was working to bring winter supplies into Gaza, the number of trucks able to enter the enclave was limited by Israeli curbs on aid groups.Hamas-led Gaza authorities say Israel is not letting in as much aid as was promised under the ceasefire deal. Aid agencies say Israel is preventing many essential items from entering.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Meteorology department warns of poor visibility, thundery rain

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning of poor horizontal visibility at most places at first in inshore areas, in addition to expected thundery rain at first associated with strong wind and high sea offshore.According to the Department's daily weather report, inshore conditions until 6:00 pm on Monday will be misty to foggy at most places at first and moderate in temperature daytime with scattered clouds to partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rain.Offshore, the weather will see scattered clouds to partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rain that maybe thundery at first.Inshore winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 03 to 13 KT. Offshore, winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 05 to 15 KT, gusting to 25 KT with thundery rain.Sea state inshore will range from 1 to 4 feet, while offshore it will range from 2 to 4 feet, rising to 8 feet with thundery rain.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4 and 9 km/2 km or less at most places at first. Offshore, the visibility is expected to range between 5 and 9 km/3 km or less with thundery rain.Area High TideLow TideMinMax------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha07:03 - 17:2014:58 - 23:492129Mesaieed08:46 - **:****:** - **:**1528Wakrah08:14 - **:**23:50 - **:**2029Al Khor17:44 - 06:4022:38 - 00:251930Ruwais06:40 - 19:3100:25 - 13:462026Dukhan00:27 - 12:2106:13 - 18:531827Abu Samra01:12 - **:**10:33 - 07:261828Sunrise: 05:57 LTSunset: 16:43 LT------------------ 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar Airways boosts winter travel with service increase to global destinations, operates nearly 3,000 additional flights this year

Qatar Airways has increased capacity to Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Shanghai, and Singapore this winter season to meet the global demand on these routes. This increase in flight frequency is part of the airline's broader winter schedule enhancements, which have already introduced additional frequencies to more than 15 major destinations, including Cape Town, Dublin, London, Phuket, and Toronto.In a statement, the airline said that the growing demand for Qatar Airways' travel experience resulted in the airline offering nearly 3,000 additional flights this year. Starting 17 December 2025, Qatar Airways flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) will increase from 14 to 17 weekly flights. The additional services will offer seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Jeddah, London, and Paris through Doha.Effective 15 December 2025 until 28 March 2026, Qatar Airways' services to Lagos (LOS) will increase from 10 to 14 weekly. The increased frequency enhances connectivity between the Nigeria and Qatar Airways' extensive global network of over 170 destinations, facilitating smoother travel for both business and leisure passengers to Delhi, Guangzhou, and London. Effective 01 January to 28 March 2026, services will rise from 7 to 10 weekly flights to meet growing inbound and outbound demand from China. This frequency increase will further enhance connectivity between Asia and Qatar Airways' key destinations across Algiers, São Paulo, and Warsaw.From 12 January 2026, Qatar Airways will deploy the Airbus A380 on select flights to Singapore, offering enhanced capacity and an elevated premium experience. The airline's global connectivity is supported by its diverse fleet of aircraft that includes a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 equipped with ultra-high-speed Starlink on-board Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the world to fully equip and operate over 100 widebody aircraft with Starlink, and the first carrier in the MENA region to offer the service. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, with speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft.

Gulf Times
Business

Msheireb Downtown Doha welcomes winter with culture, celebration and learning

Msheireb Properties announced the return of its celebrated Winter Season at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), a citywide programme of entertainment, culture, and family experiences taking place from December 1-January 31.Themed “In Msheireb, there is a vibe for everyone”, this year’s season showcases the best of sport, design, music, cinema, and national celebration in one walkable urban destination.The winter activations will run daily from 4pm-10pm at Barahat Msheireb, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Msheireb Museums, Sahat Al Nakheel, and Al Kahraba Street. The 2025–2026 winter season kicks off in early December with the Baraha Premium Fan Zone and Sikkat Wadi Msheireb activation, coinciding with the Arab Cup 2025. These opening activations capture the excitement of the tournament through live match screenings, football-themed experiences, vibrant entertainment, and community gatherings that transform the city into a celebration of sport and regional pride.Sweet Sikka at Sahat Al Nakheel returns with the much-loved Candy Zone now in its second year. Barahat Msheireb will once again host Baraha Cinema in the latter part of December, offering outdoor screenings, themed dining experiences, and a relaxed winter setting for families and film enthusiasts. Dr Hafiz Ali Abdulla, senior director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, said: “Each year, we strive to curate experiences that celebrate our culture, creativity, and sense of community”.Festivities continue in mid-December with Qatar National Day celebrations across MDD. The city will host cultural installations, performances, and family-friendly experiences celebrating the nation’s heritage and unity. A special performance by the Al Jazeera Orchestra and Choir (in partnership with U Events) at Barahat Msheireb will serve as a joyful highlight of the celebrations.Msheireb Museums continues to anchor culture in MDD. This season, the “Identities of Perfection” exhibition, in collaboration with Al Markhiya Gallery, showcases the late Egyptian artist Hazem El Mestikawy’s works.Resonant Bodies, developed with Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, highlights how art preserves memory, continuity, and identity through creative expression.The season also features the Positive Impact Leadership Summit, Doha Film Festival Talks, Light-Box Installations, and a series of educational and children’s workshops.Doha Design District will present a rich lineup of design and creative events. Highlights include the Hamad bin Khalifa University’s Sustainable Islamic Urbanism course, and networking events like the FROMM Design Meetup, and JW Anderson Trunk Show.Artistic contributions feature Rashmi and Youssef Ahmed artwork reveals, while workshops such as the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Design Thinking Workshop, InStudio Fashion Pop-up, and Arabic Calligraphy International Day provide hands-on experiences. The winter programme continues into January 2026, with the return of Hosh Msheireb, a boutique glamping concept at the Company House Courtyard within Msheireb Museums.Baraha Musical Concert will take place in mid-January while visitors can enjoy an intimate dinner beneath the open sky, surrounded by the architectural beauty of Barahat Msheireb, as classical and contemporary compositions fill the winter air.M7 is featuring a number of exhibitions, including Threads of Impact, Houbara Haven, and Amazigh Hair Couture, each celebrating contemporary creativity and craft, while in collaboration with the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan, Woven Legacies: Uzbekistan’s Living Heritage provides a captivating exploration of Uzbekistan’s artistic traditions.Visitors to MDD this winter are also invited to discover LifeHub Msheireb, the acclaimed educational initiative by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.The initiative is developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Municipality to support Qatar’s sustainability goals.Winter Activations Calendar:•    21 November: J.W Anderson Trunk Show – Free entry•    23 November: Rashmi Artwork Reveal Event – Free entry•    1–18 December: Baraha Premium Fan Zone (Arab Cup 2025 Activations) – Ticketed•    1–18 December: Sikkat Wadi Msheireb Football Activations – Free entry (select activities ticketed)•    8 December: Arabic Calligraphy International Day Workshop – Ticketed•    December: VCUQ Design Thinking Workshop – Ticketed•    December: Youssef Ahmed Gift Reveal – Free entry•    December: InStudio Fashion Pop-up – Free entry•    Until 3 January: Threads of Impact and Woven Legacies: Uzbekistan’s Living Heritage exhibitions•    Until 12 January: Houbara Haven and Amazigh Hair Couture exhibitions•    18 December: Qatar National Day Celebrations – Free entry•    18–27 December: Sweet Sikka (Candy Zone) – Ticketed•    25 December – 3 January: Baraha Cinema – Ticketed•    December–January: LifeHub Msheireb Educational Experiences – Free entry•    December onwards: “Identities of Perfection” exhibition at Msheireb Museums – Free entry•    January: Baraha Musical Concert – Ticketed•    1–31 January: Hosh Msheireb – Ticketed

Gulf Times
Qatar

Over 2,800 camps registered for 2025–2026 winter season, sealine most popular: Ministry of Environment

Director of Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, who also chairs the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, confirmed that the 2025-2026 winter camping season witnessed a significant increase in online registrations, thanks to system updates implemented this year that streamlined the registration process and reduced processing time. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Nuaimi said that the number of registered campsites exceeded 2,800 by the registration deadline, a slight increase compared to last season. This reflects public confidence and the stability of the organization. He anticipates that the number will increase as the season progresses, particularly with the extension of registration periods in high-demand areas. Al Nuaimi said that registration was divided according to geographical regions (central, southern, and northern), which allowed citizens greater flexibility in choosing their preferred locations. He noted that public awareness had increased significantly, with many campers registering early to secure their spots. He also indicated that the ministry had developed a flexible capacity plan this year, with the possibility of opening additional sites as needed. He emphasized that this reflects the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's commitment to meeting the needs of campers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. He noted that Sealine remains one of the most sought-after areas, thanks to its unique combination of sea and sand dunes, along with the northern coastline, which has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among families due to its proximity to residential areas and pleasant climate. Meanwhile, Al-Mazrouah has experienced increasing demand from those who appreciate the natural environment, thanks to its tranquility and spaciousness. Director of Wildlife Protection Department Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi said that the electronic registration system has undergone a comprehensive upgrade this year to be faster, more accurate, and more flexible, offering ease of use for all, including those with limited digital skills. Regarding awareness efforts, he noted that the Ministry implemented extensive media and awareness campaigns across various platforms to promote a culture of sustainable camping and wildlife protection. He pointed out that the messages emphasized respecting regulations, maintaining cleanliness, and responsible waste management. He added that field workshops and educational visits were organized in cooperation with schools and youth centers to encourage sound environmental practices among campers, particularly young people. Al Nuaimi revealed that the Ministry has designated specific areas for family camping, offering appropriate services and a tranquil environment, as well as areas for youth camping that provide larger spaces and opportunities for activities, in addition to sites dedicated to environmental and educational initiatives. He pointed out that the organized camping initiative has contributed to preserving wildlife and preventing encroachment on plants and sand dunes, as campsite locations are determined in advance via an electronic map, which prevents randomness and reduces environmental damage. The Ministry also obliges campers to a number of environmental standards, including the use of tools that are not harmful to plants and not lighting fires outside the designated sites. At the conclusion of his interview with QNA, Director of Wildlife Protection Department and Head of the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, called on all campers to adhere to the instructions and preserve the desert environment, stressing that camping is a collective responsibility, and that preserving nature is a guarantee for successful and safe seasons for future generations.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Winter camping a season for enhancing local environment

The winter camping season should be an excellent occasion to spread awareness on the importance of preserving and maintaining the various components of the local environment. Speaking to local Arabic daily Arrayah, a number of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) members stressed that campers should strictly abide by the regulations and rules set forth by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for this season. Campers should actively cooperate with the environment inspectors to guarantee a successful season without violations that may negatively impact the environment. This will further enhance the protection of the Qatari wildlife and ensure that it will be well-preserved for the coming generations. Parents should be keen to spread environment awareness among their children and instruct them on the proper ways to use the various components of wildlife, enjoying them without causing any potential harm. CMC member Hassan Ali al-Ishaq pointed out that over the past seasons, it turned out that fast majority of campers followed the related laws and regulations. He stressed that the local traditions and general ethics should be followed in this regard to maintain the cleanness of the place and preserve the well-being of wildlife. Campers should avoid causing any annoyance or disturbances to their neighbouring campers. Also, inspectors should be considered by campers as guides and assistants to help them enjoy the experience while preserving nature. CMC member Mohamed al-Khayareen said that campers should stay updated on the related instructions and rules, and follow them for their own safety. They should also ensure quality and safe electricity connections and cook safely to avoid risks of fires and similar accidents. CMC member Jassim al-Khelaifi said that campers strive to enhance the local environment by planting a number of trees and caring for them. They should avoid littering and use excellent quality sanitary drainage equipment to avoid spoiling their surroundings. CMC member Mohamed al-Hajiri suggested that campers should avoid lighting fire directly on the sand and leaving the remains there. Instead, they should keep designated places and tools for the purpose and dispose of the remains in a proper manner. He also noted that campers should always keep in mind the good neighbourhood practices, which is integral part of the local culture, to enjoy a peaceful and hassle-free experience for all

Gulf Times
Community

University of Doha for Science and Technology opens admissions for Winter 2026

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has announced that admissions for the Winter 2026 semester are now open, offering a wide selection of Master's programs, in addition to a select number of Bachelor's programs.The available undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Digital Communication and Media Production (Arabic-English Track) under the College of Computing and Information Technology, the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Paramedicine under the College of Health Sciences, and the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Construction Engineering under the College of Engineering and Technology.The university has encouraged prospective students, including Qatari nationals and children of Qatari women who are eligible for tuition fee exemptions for undergraduate programs, to apply via the University's website: www.udst.edu.qa.UDST President Dr. Salem Al Naemi emphasized the University's focus to advancing applied education, stating: "UDST is committed to delivering a world-class educational experience that seamlessly integrates theory with practical application, enabling our students to transform knowledge into skills that contribute to Qatar's sustainable future"."We strive to prepare graduates who are capable of creativity, leadership, and excellence in fields critical to the nation's growth, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030."Applicants must meet the admission requirements specific to their chosen programs. In addition, applicants are required to complete the University's English and Math Placement Tests. Those who do not meet the required standards may enroll in UDST's Foundation Program, which is designed to equip them with the essential skills needed to join the academic program of their choice.Beyond academics, UDST offers a vibrant campus life rich with extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and student exchange programs, ensuring a holistic educational experience. As part of its dedication to student well-being, the University recently launched a comprehensive Wellness Strategy designed to support both physical and mental health. UDST also promotes a strong culture of sports and wellness, providing students with access to a wide range of modern facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, football fields, and specialized fitness programs.

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC conducts inspection drive at winter camping sites across country

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) Committee for the Organisation of Winter Camping Affairs has carried out extensive field inspection tours across various camping areas in the country. The tours were conducted in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality Public Cleanliness Department, and the Environmental Security Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), as part of an integrated plan aimed at ensuring site readiness and providing a safe, clean environment for all campers. During the field visits, a large number of waste containers were distributed across designated camping sites. The inspection teams also monitored compliance with approved environmental regulations and verified the availability of essential requirements to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of natural areas, aligning with the ministry’s goal of ensuring an environmentally sustainable and safe camping season. Accordingly, MoECC affirmed that these efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources, preserving the beauty of Qatar’s environment, and promoting environmental awareness within the community. It stressed that maintaining the cleanliness of camping sites is a shared responsibility that requires the co-operation of all campers and participants throughout the season. Meanwhile, the ministry urged all campers to adhere to the environmental and regulatory requirements issued by the Committee for the Organization of Winter Camping Affairs, to avoid leaving waste or causing harm to natural components. The ministry confirmed that environmental inspection teams will continue to conduct regular field visits to ensure full compliance with the established guidelines. The ministry added that the success of the camping season largely depends on community awareness and co-operation, noting that collaboration between government entities and the public forms a key foundation for achieving a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable recreational season, one that reflects Qatar’s advanced environmental and cultural values.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Sealine clinic opens Wednesday for winter camping season

Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) will open its Sealine Medical Clinic for the 2025/2026 winter camping season Wednesday, marking its 16th consecutive year of operation. The clinic will remain open throughout the season until April 15, 2026.The clinic will operate throughout the season, opening each Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 2am, and from 10am to 10pm on Saturdays. This weekly schedule will continue throughout the camping season.The launch of the Sealine Medical Clinic 16 years ago marked HMC's commitment to providing care during the annual camping season. Since then, HMC has continued to open its clinic in the Sealine area throughout the six-month camping season, reflecting the corporation's dedication to delivering safe, compassionate, and effective healthcare year-round to everyone in Qatar, regardless of their location.The clinic is conveniently located in its usual spot on the Sealine beachfront, allowing easy access for both patients and visitors. The clinic offers medical and emergency services to all beachgoers and campers in the Sealine and Khor Al Adaid areas during the camping season.The management of Sealine clinic expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) for its continued co-operation with HMC on the Sealine clinic project, as well as to those involved in maintaining the Sealine area as a leading tourist and leisure destination by providing amenities such as shops, restaurants, and cafes. The management of Sealine clinic project urged visitors to the area to follow safety guidelines and take precautions, especially when swimming, barbecuing, or preparing food, to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.A physician and a nurse are present at the clinic during operating hours under the supervision of the Medical Supervisor. The clinic receives all emergency cases, whether minor or critical from beach visitors or campers during its working hours.Severe or critical cases are immediately transferred to the hospital by ambulance or air ambulance, depending on the triage assessment. The clinic is fully equipped with the necessary supplies and medications to handle the types of cases it receives, and a helipad for air ambulance support is available nearby The clinic is prepared to handle a variety of cases, from mild to moderate, including colds, gastrointestinal issues, and minor burns and injuries, all of which can be treated on-site. For severe or critical cases, patients are transferred immediately to the hospital via ambulance or air ambulance, depending on the case.Ambulance coverage in Sealine area is available 24/7. Two regular ambulances are permanently stationed in the area, along with two four-wheel-drive ambulances to transport patients from sand dunes to the Sealine clinic during its operating hours, the standard ambulance site, or the air ambulance landing area, as needed.The Ambulance Service increases the number of ambulances in the Sealine camping area during weekends, beginning Thursday afternoons and continuing through Saturdays as well as during school holidays and special events, deploying a total of six regular ambulances and five four-wheel-drive ambulances to ensure timely responses across sandy terrain.The availability of air ambulance services and the deployment of specialised medical teams, including paramedics, critical care paramedics, rapid response paramedics, supervisors, liaison officers and operations managers. These teams are deployed according to emergency leadership and control systems established by the Emergency Planning and Event Management Section of the Ambulance Service, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage throughout the camping season.

Aysha al-Mehasaa
Qatar

Online registration opens for winter camping season

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced the launch of the online registration for the 2025/2026 winter camping season Wednesday.The registration will be conducted in three phases according to the published schedule: starting with the Central Area from Oct 1-4, followed by the Southern Area from Oct 5-8, and then the Northern Area from Oct 9-14.Hamad Salem al-Nuaimi, director of the Wildlife Protection Department and chairman of the Winter Camping Season Organising Committee, stressed that the ministry’s teams have been working since the launch of online registration to facilitate the process through the electronic system on the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change website. He noted that a team from the Wildlife Protection Department is available to assist the elderly, retirees, and people with disabilities in registering if they are unable to do so electronically. He indicated that reservations are made electronically via the registration system. Upon registration, the camp owner immediately receives a text message confirming the booking of their site, which remains reserved for them throughout the six-month season, whether they start camping immediately or at a later time. He pointed out that the physical setup of camps is permitted starting from October 15, emphasising that no camping activities are allowed before this date. He also mentioned that the ministry has allocated a full day for the Sealine area due to the high demand it witnesses annually, where the number of camps last year exceeded 1,200.He noted that the capacity for the current season reaches 3,000 camps, with the possibility of increasing numbers in some areas based on demand and field pressure, to accommodate the growing demand for camping across various regions of the country. He highlighted that swapping sites after confirmation is prohibited except through the system, with a fee of QR1,000 imposed if a change is desired before confirmation. Besides, payment of the mandatory insurance of QR10,000 is a prerequisite for confirming the reservation, with a grace period of six hours granted to complete the payment via the system.Aysha al-Mehasaa, head of the Infrastructure and Project Management Section in the Information Systems Department, explained that this year the ministry has designed a completely new digital infrastructure dedicated to camping, aiming to enhance system efficiency and facilitate the registration process. The ministry has also strengthened electronic linkage with government entities such as the Retirement Authority and the Ministry of Social Development to provide accurate data for retirees and people with disabilities, allowing them to be exempted from fees automatically upon entering their personal ID number.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar launches Winter Camping Season 2025-26 with new regulations and sustainable initiatives

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has officially unveiled the Winter Camping Season 2025-2026, scheduled to run from Oct. 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026. Registration for the highly anticipated event will begin on October 1 and runs 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. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by key ministry officials and stakeholders, who gave 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 the camp 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, the Director of the Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, said the three-phase registration process is based on geographic location as follows:October 1–4: Central region (including Umm Al-Atham, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, South Khuraij, Abu Samra, and Zekreet Coastal Reserve) October 5–8: Southern region (including Seline Reserve on October 5, and areas like Al-Nuqyan, Al-Kharara, Makinis, Seline, and Khor Al-Addid from October 6–8) October 9–14: Northern region, covering all available sites.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. The award recognizes five camps that demonstrate exemplary environmental practices, such as resource conservation, biodiversity protection, and the promotion of recycling.