Beaches come as alive temperatures dip

Beaches across Qatar are coming alive as winter months approach. Many people have started planning camping and barbecue nights at beaches where weekends see crowds until dawn. The Doha Corniche is also witnessing an increasing number of visitors who spend time with families and friends. Some people come here for jogging and evening and morning walks. Cooler evenings and mornings also bring in an increasing number of fishing enthusiasts."Thanks to the improving weather conditions, there is a respite from the heatwaves. The pleasant winter is the ideal time to go out, encamp and venture into the sea,” said Al Wakra resident Mohamed Jaseem, who plans to go to Sealine Beach where he will spend a night with family and friends.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has announced that online registration for the annual winter camping season will start on November 5 and will continue until April 30, 2025. The ministry has completed necessary maintenance works at beaches ahead of the winter season. It has equipped the beaches with facilities and basic amenities."The remarkable thing about the beaches is that they all are equipped with the necessary facilities. Some beaches have seats and sunshades with toilets and bathing areas. This makes the beaches a favourite weekend destination,” said Doha resident Mohamed Shameer.The Ministry of Municipality has set up walkways, play areas for children, volleyball grounds, food kiosks and BBQ areas with some beaches. Residents complain that some beachgoers fail to comply with the rules, set by the authorities to ensure hygiene and safety of visitors.As per the directions from the Ministry of Municipality, visitors are allowed to light fires for warmth and barbecue once they have provided their identity information to the security guards at the entrance of these places. Charcoal should not be lit directly on the sand; a grill should be used. The remains of burned charcoal and other things should not be left on the beach and should be disposed of safely at designated containers provided by the municipalities across the various beaches. Security personnel would have the authority to conduct spot checks for any violation. In case of violations, they would contact environmental inspectors to issue a violation report against violators in accordance with the Public Hygiene Law, where the fine can amount to a maximum of QR10,000.The Ministry of Municipality earlier announced that it provided services to 28 beaches across the country in order to ensure the comfort of visitors.These beaches include Al Shamal beach, Al Yousifiya beach, Al Arish beach, Marih beach, Ras Matbakh beach, Zekreet beach, Dukhan beach, Umm Hish beach, Umm Bab beach, Al Kharaij public beach, Abu Samrah beach, Al Mafjar beach, Al Ghariya public beach, Fuwairit beach, Al Muruna beach, Al Jassasiya beach, Al Mamlaha beach, Areeda beach, Al Farkiyah beach (families), Saf Al Touk beach, Ras Nouf beach, and Simaisma beach (families). Ras Abu Aboud 974 Beach, Abu Funtas beach, Al Wakrah public beach, Umm Howl family beach and Sealine public beach.