CAMPERS in Bahrain will now be required to pay a BD100 cleanliness deposit for non-commercial tent sites during the 2025-2026 camping season, under a new directive issued by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
The new measure, published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, aims to ensure that public camping areas in Sakhir are kept clean and restored to their natural state once the season ends.
“This decision reinforces our commitment to protecting Bahrain’s environment and maintaining public cleanliness during one of the most popular outdoor seasons,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
“The BD100 deposit is fully refundable once campers remove all waste and restore their sites at the end of the season.”
The deposit will be paid to the Southern Municipality at the time of registration. Campers must clear their sites within one week of dismantling their tents or by the end of the season, whichever comes first. If the site is not cleaned, the municipality will use the deposit to cover clean-up costs and may require the violator to pay any additional expenses.
“This is not a penalty, it’s a preventive measure to promote environmental responsibility,” Mr Al Mubarak added.
“The camping tradition is deeply valued in Bahrain, and these steps ensure that it continues sustainably for years to come.”
The 2025-2026 camping season will officially begin on December 5 and continue until March 25 next year (2026), with registration open from November 20 to 30, according to Southern Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa.
He made the announcement while chairing a co-ordination meeting to launch the new season’s regulatory framework and safety preparations. The meeting was attended by Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, Southern Municipality director-general Isa Al Buainain, Deputy Governor Brigadier Hamad Al Khayyat, Interior Ministry officers and other officials.
Registration will be handled digitally through the ‘Khayyam’ initiative on the ‘Aljunobya’ mobile application.
The governorate has also provided communication channels for inquiries and feedback via campers@southern.gov.bh, instant chat on Aljunobya, and the national Tawasul platform for suggestions and complaints.
“The new cleanliness deposit rule, coupled with streamlined digital registration and enhanced safety co-ordination, represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious camping experience in Bahrain,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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