How to Book Whale Shark and Dugong Tours in Qatar Using the Bee’ah App

Published

21 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Shorya

For eco-tourism to become more accessible in Qatar, the Country has introduced new Digital Services under the Bee’ah App and the E-Services Portal of the MoECC. Now visitors have the opportunity to obtain official permits to explore the protected marine zones and get close to some of the country’s most amazing species such as the whale shark and dugong.

Such a move will help promote responsible tourism and safeguard Qatar’s unique marine ecosystem. For those that wish to go out on an organised tour or use a private boat, having the proper licence is now a standard booking requirement.

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Visit Qatar’s Marine Protected Areas

The Al Shaheen area in the northeast of Qatar is home to one of the world’s biggest seasonally concentrated whale shark aggregations. Meanwhile, Qatar has the second largest dugong population in the world in its seas and is also a popular tourist attraction for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

Access to these habitats is managed very carefully by the MoECC’s digital permit system, an action which helps preserve the habitat.

Step 1: Download the Bee’ah App

First of all, download the Bee’ah App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Visitors should use the guest log-on available via the portal and the Residents should use their National Authentication System (NAS/Tawtheeq) credentials with their Qatar ID.

Step 2: Choose Your Booking Method

The process of application is related to the type of visit you plan to make to the protected marine areas.

For Tourists

If you join an excursion you will find that organised by the Natural Reserves & Wildlife section, you will select Permits to Visit Natural Reserves. Then select the Whale Shark & Dugong Viewing Permit.

Tourists must go through tour operators which are licensed by the MoECC, including Discover Qatar or licensed charter tour operators. With the Bee’ah App, users will connect their permit to their chosen operator.

Private Boat Owners

If you are a boat owner or yacht operator, you would need to apply under the Natural Reserves Sector with the choice of options: Temporary Activity Permit, Permits to Visit Natural Reserves.

Before signing to MoECC environmental conditions, applicants will have to submit vessel registration, vessel capacity, travel dates and supporting safety certificates.

Step 3: Follow Marine Conservation Rules

Applicants will be required to accept Qatar’s guidelines on marine conservation before approval is given. Wildlife flash photography and strong lighting is not permitted around wildlife.

Whale sharks and dugongs must be kept at safe distances from boats and when operating near feeding areas, less engine activity should be used. No touching, chasing or disturbing the animals will be permitted, and consequences may be severe in the form of large environmental fines.

Step 4: Receive Your Digital Permit

The approval will come with a QR code digital permit in the My Permits section on the Bee’ah App.

Keep the permit easily available as inspected by MoECC (CC) officials; they may use the QR code to allow entry into protected marine areas.

FAQs

Is it permitted to view whale shark parties in Qatar?

Yes. Anyone who wishes to observe whale sharks must first have an official permit issued in the Bee’ah App or the MoECC E-Services Portal before being allowed into protected whale shark viewing areas.

Are there any direct applications for tourists through Bee’ah App?

Yes. Permit applications may be submitted via the Bee’ah App with a required tour operator approved by MoECC for the tourist to finish the excursion.

Is there access for private boat owners to whale shark areas?

Yes. Applications from private boat owners are accepted for temporary activity permits with the submission of vessel registration information, vessel safety information and compliance with environmental requirements.