What comes to mind when you think of beautiful places to visit in Qatar? Definitely not tropical beaches, flower-clad meadows, or snow-capped mountains. Its terrain, after all, is generally flat and sandy, with a few low hills and a central limestone plateau.
But don't assume the country's landscape is drab and unexciting. It's not dull, just different. Indeed, very little is as awe-inspiring as endless stretches of pristine desert sand and rolling dunes glimmering under the sun. If it's beaches you want, Qatar is never in shortage of those - from trendy resorts that rival those of the French Riviera to tranquil inlets that you'll never want to leave.
Beaches and deserts, however, are expected Qatar tourist spots. But here and there, the country will astound you with unexpected wonders. Imagine an inland sea teeming with marine life, a quiet green space in the middle of a bustling city, and rock carvings in an abandoned quarry. Then, there are the glistening skyscrapers, distinct museums, cutting-edge hotels, and artificial islands.
With all the stunning places to see in Qatar, it is no surprise that the country is finally emerging as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Middle East. Before hordes of thrill-seeking travellers and bucket-list-ticking tourists arrive, be sure to experience as many of Qatar's beautiful places as possible so you can say that you saw them first.
Still not sure where to begin? Here are ten of the best places to visit in Qatar.
Qatar currently has 12 nature reserves, covering nearly 3,464 sq km of wildlife sanctuary and nesting grounds. One of the country's most important conservation areas is the Brouq Nature Reserve, which lies on the northwestern coast of Qatar, about 65 kilometres from Doha. It's part of Ras Abroug, a headland located on the northmost tip of the Zekreet Peninsula. The region is known for its Neolithic sites, archaeological digs, gypsum cliffs, mushroom-shaped hills, and legally protected areas.
Brouq Nature Reserve is home to a significant population of gazelles, ostriches and other birds. It also has a few wild deer and a variety of desert flora. Uninhabited and untouched with scattered patches of vegetation, the region has been considered the best place to reintroduce some endangered species, including the Arabian oryx.
Amid Brouq's vast wilderness is punctuated by the iconic East-West/West-East landmark by renowned American artist Richard Serra. The sculpture spans over a kilometre and comprises four perfectly aligned standing steel plates 10-cm thick and between 14.7 to 16.7 metres tall. The colours of the pillars change from grey to orange to brown to dark amber. The sculpture was commissioned at the behest of the Qatar Museums to bring art to the people
Spanning nearly four square kilometres, the Pearl is a multi-billion dollar artificial island. It lies 350 meters off Doha's West Bay Lagoon and resembles a string of pearls; a tribute to Qatar's pearl diving and trading past.
The Pearl has 12 precincts, each unique from one another. Every island has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere, with clusters of seaside villas, yacht-lined marinas, pedestrian-friendly piazzas, landscaped gardens, and alfresco cafés.
One of the island's most popular districts is Medina Centrale which mimics the charms and nuances of a Mediterranean town square, with its gardens, palm tree-lined boulevards, terraced buildings and a lovely fountain. The picturesque Qanat Quartier is another famous section reminiscent of Venice, complete with intricate canals, colourful villas and arched bridges - including a replica of the Rialto Bridge.
Porto Arabia, also known as the heart of the Pearl, is arguably the best place on the island to shop, dine, and stay. The district has a waterfront promenade lined with luxury stores, cafés, and townhouses.
Banana Island is Qatar's answer to the water bungalows of the Maldives, the golden sands of the Greek Islands, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Located off the coast of Doha, about 25 minutes on a ferry, the 13-hectare island looks like it belongs to a different part of the world, and it's easy to see why. Its half-mile-long beach features fine honey-coloured sand, long lines of verdant palm trees, and shimmery blue waters.
Banana Island is everything you would look for in a luxury resort, including a 300-foot lagoon pool, an exclusive 20-seat movie theatre, and a spa and a wellness centre. There is an extensive selection of lavish overwater villas and high-end hotels, fancy cafés and world-class restaurants, including a floating one. Families come here to bond, newly-weds to honeymoon, and day-trippers to escape the flurry of the city.
While Banana Island is perfect for relaxation, it also offers watersports and other exciting activities for those who want some action. Guests can go surfing in the wave pool, kayak around the island, bowl at the multi-lane alley, play golf or snorkel in the marine-rich waters.
In the south-eastern part of Qatar lies one of the country's most unique and breathtaking natural attractions; Khor Al Adaid or the Inland Sea. Although often referred to as a sea, Khor Al Adaid is, in fact, an embayment or a tidal bay.
Measuring 15-km long and 12-km wide, it is connected to the Persian Gulf by a deep and narrow 10-km channel. No roads go to the region, and the only way to access it is with a private 4x4 vehicle.
Khor Al Adaid has its own ecosystem that supports several species, including turtles, gazelles, oryxes, dolphins, and the endangered dugong. It is also home to various bird species, such ospreys, terns, seagulls, and migratory birds such as flamingos and herons.
Whilst this is a picturesque place to relax and unwind, not everyone who visits Khor Al Adaid is looking for tranquillity. Some tour companies offer sand skiing, quad biking, and camel riding for those looking to try something a bit different during their visit.
There are hotels and resorts near the bay, most of which feature Bedouin-style accommodation. Guests can camp in the desert, enjoy barbeque and tell stories over a campfire, then watch the Inland Sea take on an almost ethereal quality under the stars.
Stunning and secluded, Fuwairit Beach is the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. Located 91 km north of Doha, visitors can enjoy the long stretch of fine white sand, glassy blue waters, and a sweeping shoreline dotted with colourful seashells.
A little farther away, pebbles replace the fine sand, and the terrain becomes rocky. There are fascinating limestone formations that guests can clamber over to enjoy sweeping views of the Persian Gulf as the low eroding cliffs meet the sea.
The sandy bays at Fuwairit Beach are ideal for picnics. However, guests must bring their own provisions as there are no restaurants, eateries or facilities nearby. There are also no covered spaces, so visitors must bring their own beach umbrellas.
The Arabian Gulf hawksbill turtles lay and hatch their eggs on the beach between April to July, and the beach is closed to visitors during these months.
Archaeologists have discovered rock carvings all over Qatar, but none of these is as impressive as those in the deserted quarry of Al Jassasiya. With over 874 carvings spreadacross an area 700 metres wide, Al Jassasiya has the most extensive and best-preserved collection of petroglyphs.
Experts have not agreed unanimously as to the age of the carvings, but some suggest they date back to the New Stone Age. The majority of the carvings depict round holes arranged in various patterns, such as rosettes, rows and stars. There are also carvings of dhows, fish, footprints, ostriches, quadrupeds, scorpions, and other enigmatic patterns.
Al Jassasiya is about 80 km north of Doha. The majority of the surrounding area is craggy and dotted with small rocky hills and some parts have ruins of old dwellings and remnants of 15th-century pottery.
Imagine a massive garden in the middle of the city that is in the middle of a desert. Nestled in Aspire Zone, Aspire Park sprawls over an area of 217 acres and is the capital's biggest green space, containing manicured lawns, scenic walking paths, exercise equipment, children's playgrounds, beautiful fountains, cafés and eateries.
There is a variety of fascinating flora, including exotic baobab trees grown and shipped from Argentina. At the heart of the park is Doha's only lake, where ducks, geese and other birds flock to take shelter from the sweltering heat. A 5 km running track encircles the outside of the park, hosting numerous events throughout the year including fun runs and fitness activities.
The iconic Aspire Tower looms 300 metres over the park and looks majestic, especially when it's lit at night. Nearby are the shopping malls Villaggio and Hyatt Plaza, as well as the famous sports venues, Khalifa Stadium, Hamad Aquatic Centre and Aspire Dome.
Built in the late 19th century, the Barzan Towers protected the valleys in Qatar that collected precious rainwater. Guards could scan the desert for invaders and the sea for ships from the top of the tower, and the watchtowers may have also been used as observatories for tracking the movements of the moon.
The Barzan Towers are 16 metres high and 1 metre thick, braced by buttresses at the corners. The walls are made of coral stones mixed with limestone and clamped together by mud.
This fascinating attraction lies 20-km north of Doha, in the town of Umm Saalal Mohammed. Visitors can climb up the watchtower and gaze into the boundless sea, or visit the small mosque inside the complex
There's no need to travel far from the city to enjoy a world-class beach resort in Qatar. The mile-long Katara Beach is right in the middle of Doha and is one of the most popular attractions of the Katara Cultural Village.
Aside from swimming, guests can partake in various water sports including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding and windsurfing. Those who want to venture further out into the sea can get on a pedal boat, kayak, canoe, sailing dinghy, or, better yet, join a fishing trip.
Unlike remote beaches, Katara Beach has all the comforts you'll need during a beach day, from shower facilities to restaurants and lifeguards to beach umbrellas. There are plenty of shaded areas, too.
It can get a little crowded, especially during weekend afternoons, but the lively atmosphere only adds to its appeal. Bear in mind that the beach has a strict dress code, so women must cover their elbows and knees whilst outdoors
Off the coast of Doha and south of the Pearl lies the uninhabited Al Safliya Island, just a dhow boat away. The narrow island stretches for two miles from east to west and provides breathtaking vistas of the Doha skyline.
Al Safliya is mostly sweeping fine sand, with no restaurants and facilities apart from dustbins and wooden umbrellas. Anyone visiting this remote island should bring their own supplies, including food, towels and sunscreen. As well as swimming in the clear blue water, guests can enjoy various water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing, banana boat riding and kayaking.
