Qatar Extends Nationwide Camel Grazing Ban to 2027 to Protect Vegetation

HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie issued ministerial decision No. 15 of 2025, extending the ban on camel grazing in all regions of the country for an additional two years, starting August 24.

This decision is part of efforts to preserve vegetation cover and biodiversity.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change explained that the decision also includes a two-year ban on sheep and goat grazing, from December 1, 2025 to March 15, 2027, to allow wild plants to grow and regenerate during the rainy seasons.

The resolution also allows camel owners to remove their animals from ranches and farms to improve their health, subject to strict regulations and conditions.

These regulations require that camels be equipped with identification chips approved by the competent authorities, that their number not exceed 10, and that they wear face masks to prevent them from grazing and cutting down trees.

The statement added that the decision emphasizes the requirement for camel owners or caretakers to accompany the camels during grazing. Roaming should be limited to daytime, with a distance of at least 200 meters from meadows, villages, cities, and main roads.

Camels should not travel more than one kilometer from the farm site. The decision also prohibits the release of camels within nature reserves, with the exception of the unfenced portion of the Al Reem Reserve.

This decision is a continuation of the Ministry's efforts to preserve the Qatari environment, protect the vegetation cover from deterioration, and enhance the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

(QNA)