Many people know Qatar for its tall buildings, high-end hotels, and amazing engineering projects that have turned Doha into a world-class city in the middle of the desert. A lot of people who come to Qatar might think that they will spend most of their time in air-conditioned places to get away from the heat. However, it might come as a surprise that Qatar has a lot of fun outdoor activities, beautiful scenery to see, and unique experiences that you can't get in a city.
Even though 92% of the people in Qatar live in the city, it's clear that their minds are elsewhere. Locals and tourists alike can't help but leave the city in the nights, on the weekends, and on holidays to visit the country's beaches and deserts. People there enjoy the old scenery and customs that have helped make Qatar's culture and identity unique.
Wild adventures in the desert
The rough, rolling dunes and varied scenery of Qatar's desert are beautiful to see. This empty and peaceful place has a special beauty, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the Arabian sun shines on the pale sand and makes scenes that have inspired writers and artists for hundreds of years. When you mix this peaceful place with the excitement of a sport that will pump your energy, you have a recipe for an amazing experience.
You can see more of the desert southwest of the city if you rent a 4WD with an experienced driver for the day. Dune bashing is an exciting ride that is often part of this adventure. The driver goes down steep hills at high speed while sand hits the glass of the car. Your journey will end at Khor Al Adaid, an inland sea that is a UNESCO-designated nature reserve. With its tall golden dunes, white sand beaches, and clear water, it's a great place to take pictures and even see Saudi Arabia across the border.
On longer trips, you might go dune bashing in the morning and evening and then spend the afternoon at a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can sand ski, sandboard, and ride a camel. There are a lot of different desert trips to choose from through Qatar International Tours.
Doha Bus gives you a lot of different choices for a different kind of experience. You can go dune bashing in a giant bus or as a passenger on a dune buggy. Both come with helmets and trips through the desert. The next part is an exciting dune bashing adventure right on the sand.
Different Places for Water Sports
There is no better way to see Doha's beautiful skyline than from the water, and a traditional dhow is the only way to do it right. These hand-carved wooden boats are an important part of Qatari history. They were once used for fishing and pearl diving. During the day, they look just as grand as they do at night, when they are lit up with bright flashing lights.
You can take a short 45- to 60-minute ride out onto the Gulf from the Corniche, where a number of dhows are usually docked. Another option is to book a half-day trip with Arabian Adventures. This will include drinks, a BBQ, and a stop at Safliya Island.
For a more hands-on water sport, Club Blue Pearl recommends stand-up paddleboarding around the beautiful horseshoe-shaped harbor at The Pearl, Qatar's man-made island. You could also go north of the city to the mangroves of Al Thakira. There, you can kayak through winding rivers that are home to many birds, such as herons and flamingos, with Aquasports Qatar.
Meets with Animals
Animals are very important in Qatari society, and this love for them can be seen in how dedicated the people are to animal-based sports like horse racing, camel racing, and falconry. People can come and watch some of these classic games or even take part in them.
A great place to start is the Equestrian Center at Qatar Foundation, Al Shaqab. This huge facility's major goals are to keep the lineage of Qatar's best Arabian show horses alive and to improve the quality of Arabian show horses. You can meet some of the beautiful horses and watch them train with some of the best riders and handlers in the world during tours of the barns and training grounds.
At the Al Shahaniya Racetrack, which is a little farther from the city, you can drive next to camels as they race with small robots on their behinds. You can also go to the resting stables to get a close look at the camels and take some great pictures.
There are a number of engaging tours that you can take with Doha Bus that let you get closer to horses and camels for a more realistic experience.
Looking into the traditions and culture of Qatar
Qatar looked very different back then than it does now, just over 50 years ago. The country's history goes back to the Bedouin, who were nomads and lived off the land. They fished in the sea and dove for pearls. Falcon Tours and other tour companies offer a wonderful night in the desert at a traditional Bedouin-style camp under the stars. This is a great way to see how people lived before the modern city grew out of the desert.
For a day trip, you could go to Ras Abrouk, which is on the western edge of the country and has some of the most untouched nature. The strong winds have slowly shaped the area's strange limestone rock formations. From the top of these rocks, you can see the whole Qatar Peninsula in awe. This is the same view that Qatar's ancestors used to find the best place to set up their tents many years ago. The East-West/West-East sculpture by Richard Serra can still be found in the same place. It is about being alone and the passing of time.
If you're ready to leave Doha and likely cross rough landscape and desert, here are some historical places you should see: The UNESCO World Heritage site Al Zubara Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of a settlement from the 18th to the 19th century in the area. Other interesting sites include the Barzan Towers, which were built in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed between 1910 and 1916; Al Wajba Fort, which was built in the late 18th century and was the site of a famous battle; and the Al Jassasiya rock carvings, which have 874 Neolithic designs.
Comments