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Visit Qatar - Tourism

For more information about things to do and places to see please refer to:
Qatar Tourism Authority
Phone: +974 499 7499 | Fax: +974 499 1919
Website: www.qatartourism.gov.qa

Guide to places to see & things to do

Most of travelers just visit Doha when coming to Qatar (See: Visit Doha). Doha is of course not the only place of interest in the country ! There is much more to be seen... like the cities of Al Wakra, Al Ruwais, Umm Salal Mohammed, Al Khor with its picturesque harbour and spectacular beaches, ... Other places to see include Khor Al Udaid - the Inland Sea surrounded by sand dunes, old forts of Al Zubara - Al Thughb - Al Wajbah or the Alshahaniya Camels Race Track...

Villages & cities: Al Wakra - Umm Salal Mohammed, Al Khor

Al Wakra: Located South of Doha, Al Wakra was once a pearling and fishing village. It has now become a small city of 30.000 people but the historic habour remains where the dhows (local boats) are lined up waiting for the night to come to go fishing. Other attraction of the place is the small district where old Islamic style houses can still be seen.
Umm Salal Mohammed: Located North of Doha, Umm Salal Mohammed is home of a remarkable fort and one of Qatar's most famous landmark: Barzan Tower.
Al Khor: A famous picturesque fishing village where traditional dhows have not been replaced by modern speed boats. Al Khor Museum nestling in a small fortress is a visit not to be missed to better understand the long and rich history of the region. Just a few kilometers North of the town the Mangrove Plantation of Al Thakhira is another attraction.

Qatar's Forts: Al Zubara - Al Thughb - Al Wajbah

Al Zubara: Built in 1938, this ochre coloured fort is the most impressive of the country. It is located 100km northwest from Doha in the middle of the desert with nothing around except ruins of the old town of Al Zubara.
Al Thughb: Located just 15 kilometers from Al Zubara, Al Thughb Fort is a typical Qatari desert fort of rectangular shape with four corner watchtowers.
Al Wajbah: Located 15 kilometers West from Doha it is one of the oldest fort in Qatar. It was indeed built in 1882.

Inland Sea & desert

The Inland sea is a must see when visiting Qatar. It is a vast turquoise waters lake in the middle of the desert, surrounded by dunes of sand and connected to the Persian Gulf by a narrow channel. The Inland Sea is a very popular week-end destination for Qataris but tourists should be aware of the challenge of driving through the dunes... An exercise to be reserved to experts only. Many tour operators offer guided tours and 4*4 chauffeur driven services from Doha (See list provided at bottom of the page).

Al Shahaniya: Camels races & Al Maha Sanctuary

Al Shahaniya is located about 25 kilometers Northwest of Doha. It is home of the most famous and the largest Camels racetrack in Qatar - A must see if visiting the country during racing season (Half day tours can be organized from Doha by local travel agents). The most popular and prestigious Camel Race is held here in April: Emir GCC Camels Race. Al Shahaniya is also home of the Al Maha Sanctuary a reserve for Oryx (Qatar's national symbol).

Tour operators: Guided tours from Doha

Here is a list of tour operators providing guided tours and chauffeur driven services from Doha.

Black Pearl - Phone: +974 435 7333 - Website: www.qatar-bp.com
Qatar International Adventures - Phone: +974 455 3954 Website: www.qia-qatar.com
Aamal Travels - Phone: +974 493 0103 - Website: www.aamal-travel.com
Gulf Adventures - Phone: +974 422 1888 Website: www.gulf-adventures.com
Sahara Tours - Phone: +974 422 1888 - Website: www.saharatoursqatar.com
Net Tours - Phone: +974 469 4702 - Website: www.nettours.com.qa