If you've been looking for something different to do this winter, why don’t you swap your usual plans for a weekend in Qatar's desert? From January through March, Sealine Beach — about 1 hour south of Doha — becomes the center of outdoor festivals, live concerts, and desert camping. The Sealine Season 2026 runs throughout January, combining traditional Qatari culture with modern entertainment.

Winter in Qatar means daytime temperatures around 15-22°C, dropping to around 10°C at night. It's when the desert becomes genuinely pleasant for outdoor activities — cool enough to be comfortable during the day and refreshingly crisp in the evenings. The sand dunes in Qatar are known for becoming accessible for camping, dune bashing, and other activities that are less practical during warmer months.

Monster Jam show

The festival kicks off with Monster Jam at the Mawater Sealine Circuit Sports Club onJanuary 9 and 10, 2026. Giant trucks perform stunts — crushing cars, flying through the air, the whole spectacle. There's also a Pit Party where you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close, though that requires a separate pass. Tickets are available through Platinumlist.

Sealine Nights concert series

Weekend concerts run throughout January at the Sealine Circuit Sports Club, bringing regional artists to the desert stage. Each evening features live performances, fireworks displays, and the kind of atmosphere you only get when hundreds of people gather under open skies. Check out the programs:

January 16: Moudi and Sultan Khalifa perform together, delivering contemporary Gulf music to kick off the concert series.

January 23: The iconic Khaled Abdulrahman takes the stage. This night also includes a special drone show along with the usual fireworks display.

January 30: The season wraps up with Samri Night, celebrating traditional Bedouin music and dance. Samri is a folk genre native to the Gulf region, typically performed at celebrations and gatherings.

Concert tickets can be purchased in advance through Platinumlist. The main Sealine Season village is free to enter, so you can check out the festival atmosphere without buying tickets to specific events.

Marmi festival

Running at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine, the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival showcases falconry — a practice that's been part of Bedouin culture for centuries and is recognized by UNESCO. You'll see demonstrations of hunting techniques and learn about falcon breeding and conservation.

Desert safari and dune bashing

A desert safari in Qatar trip typically includes dune bashing — driving a 4x4 up and down steep sand dunes. It's essentially an off-road roller coaster. Most tour operators offer packages that include hotel pickup from Doha and trips to the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), where the desert meets the water.

You can also try sandboarding — like snowboarding but on sand, camel rides, or quad biking. The multi-activity village at Sealine Beach offers all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rentals — four-wheeled motorized bikes that let you explore the dunes yourself. There's also remote-controlled (RC) car tracks where you can race miniature cars across the sand, and horse riding for those who prefer a more traditional pace.

Winter camping

The official camping season runs from October through March and is managed by the Ministry of Environment. The regulations require campers to use designated areas, take all waste with them when they leave, avoid damaging vegetation, and keep noise levels reasonable after 10 PM. Campfires are only allowed in approved zones — specific locations are coordinated with ministry inspectors during the camp setup process, as they vary by region and environmental conditions.

Camping means setting up a tent, cooking outdoors, and spending the night under clear desert skies. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset — sometimes to 10°C (50°F) or below — so you'll need warm clothing and proper sleeping gear.

There's a medical clinic that operates during camping season with 24/7 ambulance service, including four-wheel-drive vehicles that can access remote areas if needed.

Transportation: Sealine is accessible by car from Doha. If you're planning to go off-road into the dunes, you need a 4x4 vehicle. The Doha Bus — a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service that tours major attractions —  doesn't run to Sealine, so your options are to drive yourself or book a guided tour that includes transportation. Tour operators like Discover Qatar and Experience Qatar offer desert safari packages with hotel pickup from Doha and experienced drivers who handle the dune bashing and navigation to the Inland Sea.

What to pack: Daytime clothing can be casual — shorts and T-shirts work fine. But you absolutely need layers for the evening. Bring a jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. A scarf or traditional shemagh helps with both sun and sand. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses for daytime.

Travel preparation: You can book event tickets and browse other activities through the QIC App.