Doha, September 21 (QNA) - 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 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 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 undescored 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. (QNA)