New for Qatar residents in October 2026: rent law, Himyan, fuel, camping

October 2026 at a glance

Here is what changed for people living in Qatar in September and October 2026, in date order. Each item links to the guide that walks you through the steps.

3 September: the rent law changes are now in force

Amendments to Qatar's rental law took effect on 3 September 2026, according to Gulf Times. Registering a lease now costs a flat QAR 250. Before, the fee was 0.5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of QAR 250 and a maximum of QAR 2,500. So for most leases the fee is now the same or lower.

The bigger change is for disputes. The Rental Dispute Settlement Committee at the Ministry of Municipality now hears all landlord and tenant disputes, and you must go to it before you can file a case in court. Appeals against its decisions go to the Court of Appeal.

What to do now: when you sign or renew a lease, ask the landlord for a copy of the registration certificate. You need it for Kahramaa (the electricity and water company) and for many government services. Our renting guide covers the full process, and rent disputes explains how to file with the committee. For the full picture, read our explainer on the 2026 rent law changes.

15 September: Himyan starts working in Saudi Arabia

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the Saudi Central Bank announced on 15 September 2026 that acceptance has begun for Qatar's national card, Himyan, in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's national card, mada, is now accepted in Qatar in the same way.

The rollout is gradual. Qatar Tribune reports that card use depends on finishing the approved integration phases. No date was given for each phase or for full availability, and no fees were announced. So if you are driving to Saudi Arabia for a weekend, do not rely on Himyan alone yet. Carry a second card or some cash in case a shop's terminal does not take it.

Our paying by phone guide explains what Himyan is and how it differs from Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet.

Check before you act: some older pages, including parts of our own payments guide, still say Himyan works only inside Qatar. Since September 2026 that is no longer the whole story, but Saudi acceptance is still being phased in.

Fuel prices for September and October

QatarEnergy sets fuel prices once a month, and the price is the same at every pump. It announced September's prices on 31 August and October's on 30 September.

So in October, Premium 91 is 5 dirhams a litre cheaper. Super 95 and diesel did not change. If your car takes 91 and you fill a 60-litre tank, that is QAR 3 less per full tank.

November's prices are usually announced on the last day of the month. Our fuel guide explains which grade your car needs and how to get the free WOQODe fuel tag.

October: winter camping registration and the season opening

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced the 2026–27 camping season on 2 October. The season runs from 25 October 2026 to 20 April 2027.

Registration was on the ministry's website or the Bee'ah app, in phases:

A few things are new or stricter this season:

• Motorcycles are banned in all rawda (green meadow) areas and all camping areas from 10 pm to 5 am.
• You can no longer pick your previous inland camping spot. That option was removed.
• Permit fees and deposits must be paid straight after booking, or the booking is cancelled.
• Field teams are stronger this season, with more inspections and monitoring.

To register you log in with the National Authentication System (Tawtheeq, Qatar's government login). First-time users must enter their Qatar ID (QID) expiry date. Our winter camping guide explains who can hold a permit, the costs, and how residents who cannot register can still camp legally.

Not new this month, even if you have just heard about it

Some things are being shared as "new" but started earlier:

• Paying government claims in Metrash. Metrash is the Ministry of Interior's app. Qatar Living reports that its electronic Financial Claims Payment service launched in April 2026, not in October. See our Metrash guide.
• The 20% discount for a three-year residence permit renewal. Qatar Living reports that the Ministry of Interior confirms a 20% reduction when an eligible residence permit is renewed for three years. We could not find a start date, and nothing shows it is an October change. Check the fee shown in Metrash when you renew your QID.
• The 14-day rule. You now have 14 days to leave after your residence permit is cancelled or expires, down from 30. That started in June 2026. Read our explainer on the 14-day rule.
• The new Labour Law. Law No. 9 of 2026 was reported in July. Some parts, such as part-time and freelance work, still wait for rules. See our explainer on the 2026 labour law changes.

Coming up in November

• November fuel prices, expected around 31 October.
• The first full month of the camping season.
• Any implementing rules under the new Labour Law, if they are published.

We will round these up in next month's update. Rules and dates can change, so always check the official app or website before you pay or travel.