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More than 2,100 sites have been registered so far for this year’s camping season, which started less than two weeks ago.
The popular camping season will run until March 20 as thousands flock to Sakhir every year to enjoy the cooler weather, where they either erect or rent tents.
A total of 2,107 individuals have signed up to reserve a location in Sakhir through the Southern Governorate’s mobile application under an initiative called Khayem, which translates to tents in Arabic.
Southern Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa said this meant that this year’s season, which started on November 20, was already on its way to breaking records.
More than 3,024 individuals and firms signed up for the entire previous camping season, which lasted four months.
“The 2019-2020 camping season has witnessed a huge turnout since its launch on November 20, as the number of those registered has reached 2,107 so far,” he said.
“The initiative ‘Khayem’ was launched as part of the Southern Governorate’s efforts to promote direct communication with campers through a series of electronic services and various communication platforms.
“Following the launch of the initiative, the appliwcation received 3,465 correspondences through the instant messaging feature, which reflects the level of service in smart communication with citizens.”
Shaikh Khalifa also said the governorate was keen to co-operate with various security forces to ensure public safety and the adoption of various initiatives and campaigns aimed at enhancing awareness among campers.
He said arrangements have been made with the General Traffic Directorate, the Civil Defence and The Southern Governorate Police Directorate to ensure a safe season for campers.
He also said no efforts were spared to ensure the Camping Services Centre was equipped with the latest services and equipment within efforts to develop basic services provided to citizens.
“The governorate is keen to organise various security, social and voluntary initiatives in the coming days during the camping season to solidify community partnership and reach out to all segments of the community,” added Shaikh Khalifa.
An awareness campaign was also held in collaboration with the Civil Defence targeting all campers, commercial and entertainment outlets, as well as public and private campsites.
According to the governorate’s Engineering and Investment Directorate head Khalid Abdullateef, the campaign included an inspection tour conducted by a team from the Camping Services Centre along with officers and personnel from the Civil Defence.
“The inspection visit was crucial as a joint effort to ensure campers are aware of the correct use of electrical connections and proper usage,” he said.
“We also highlighted the importance of providing a fire extinguisher and the correct way to use it within efforts to ensure a safe environment is provided for all while also ensuring no flammable materials are placed inside the tents.
“It’s also important to keep the electricity generator within a safe and far distance from the tent and refrain from lighting fires inside tents.”
According to him, the campaign also included the distribution of awareness flyers with general information concerning safety on campsites along with fire extinguishers to encourage following security requirements and prompting safety.
The GDN previously reported that traffic plans have been stepped up in the Southern Governorate to ensure safety and security during the camping season, as the Traffic Directorate will increase police patrol presence, both vehicles and personnel, on main roads leading to Sakhir.
Patrols will also be beefed up along the inner streets of the desert while drivers are urged to adhere to the speed limit of the small roads and avoid wrong overtaking which could lead to potentially deadly accidents.
Campers are also urged to take into account the turbulent weather while parents are urged to ensure children riding quad bikes and motorcycles are within the age required for the size of the vehicle to ensure they don’t lose control of the vehicle while remaining on sandy areas of the desert without venturing onto main roads.
Tents should be erected at least 50m away from roads and 150m away from high pressure oil and gas pipelines and for more information contact the Southern Governorate’s camping season hotline on 39331515.
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