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Natural sightseeing
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Natural Sightseeing
There is quite a lot to see and visit in Qatar. The small size of the country, in addition to its largely flat, desert terrain precludes a wealth of spectacular natural features.
Khor Al Udeid
The varying colours produced by the changes in the light during the day, and also between summer and winter add to the astounding beauty of the area. The waters of the Inland Sea are (mostly) very clean, the beaches empty and the region is characterized by its totally unspoiled nature.
To visit the Inland Sea you need a four-wheel drive. If you don't have one, they can be rented for the weekend from major car companies (but book well in advance, as they get snapped up very quickly) or you can go as part of an organised tour through the hotels.
Visits can be made for as little as a couple of hours through to three days (which entails camping out). During the winter season, while the weather is comfortably warm, the Inland Sea is a very popular weekend and holiday destination, and it is worth going early to ensure a good camping spot. Remember that you will need to take absolutely everything with you, as there are no shops for miles around, and that you should take warm bedding, as it gets quite cold at night. A tent is also a very good idea.
Driving in the desert is an art-form in itself, and we cover this topic extensively in our Desert Driving section.
Ardent beachcombers should also visit the beaches around Dukhan in the West of the country - especially near Bir Zakrit, where there are some interesting limestone rock formations.
The Beaches on The north-eastern coast
Some of the beaches on the north-eastern coast are additionally well worth a visit.
Apart from the beaches, the country affords little in the way of natural beauty spots. However, it is well worth visiting some of the farms in the interior of Qatar, especially if you know someone who owns one.
These are lush, verdant oases of irrigated farmland; the more interesting for being totally artificially created and maintained by constant watering. However, they do help to satisfy the cravings for green pastures that are often experienced by Westerners. The main area for farms is around Shahaniya .
For further information on places of interest to nature lovers, as well as those of historical or archaelogical value
Palm Tree Island
This small island in the middle of Doha Bay has recently been developed into a leisure park by Qatar National Hotels. The dhow service is also operated by QNHC and a ticket costs QR 25.00, which includes the return fare to the island, entrance fee to the leisure park and a soft drink and snack.
The island itself has been extensively planted with trees, flowers and shrubs and contains green lawns, shaded areas and broad walkways. There is a large children's playground, some pony rides, an extensive beach area and a small swimming pool.
Food and drink cannot be taken with you, but the island has a few cafes and food and drink kiosks, which sell snacks at reasonable prices.
The island is especially worth visiting with smaller children, who will enjoy the playground and rides and who can paddle in the shallow waters around the beach area. Apart from wandering around, eating, drinking coffee and amusing kids, however, there isn't a great deal else to do, so don't plan on spending a long time there, unless you want to simply hang out and read or chat to friends.
Al Bida Park
This newly created park, just behind the Corniche, near the National Theatre, provides another pleasant place to go and sit or to take children to. The park has some rides for small children, with the swan boats proving especially popular, and also caters for older kids with its extensive paved skateboarding area.
There are plenty of green lawns to sit on, trees to provide shade, and a network of paths to stroll around. The central area has been built in the form of a two-storey market place with attractive low white buildings containing a few shops.
The emphasis is on local, Indian and Arab handicrafts and souvenirs, and particularly notable is a small shop selling a huge variety of shells from all over the world. The shopping area borders an artificial canal and also contains a number of cafes and shawarma stalls. The park is open daily until well after dark and entrance is free, although you pay for the children's rides (average around QR 3 per ride).
Camel Races
Camel racing is very popular among Qataris and the prize money can be considerable! Camels are ridden by jockeys (much like horse racing) and the animals can attain incredible speeds. If you enjoy horse racing, you should definitely attend some camel races, as the atmosphere and excitement are wholly comparable. The main race track in Qatar is located in Shahaniya, on the Dukhan Road. There is a large covered stand for spectators, but many people choose to follow the camels by car.
Details of when the races are held can be obtained from the local tour companies (for example Arabian Adventures Tel 361461), who can also arrange an organised visit to the races. Al Shaqab Stud This beautiful stud farm is owned by His Highness the Emir and is rapidly gaining an international reputation for the quality of its horses.
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