Visit Qatar, the official social media tourism account of Qatar Tourism, puts a spotlight on a number of underrated yet exquisite destinations outside Doha perfect for a summer getaway.
“A pristine natural treasure close to Al Maroona, Fuwairit beach is a stunning location. Located two hours from Doha; with powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters – it is ideal for a relaxing escape,” VisitQatar posted on its social media pages.
Apart from swimming, Fuwairit also offers other exciting activities such as kitesurfing and beach volleyball, in addition to relaxing and enjoying the ambience with families and friends.
The beach, which is about an hour and a half drive, serves as a hatching site for Hawksbill sea turtles from April to July, according to VisitQatar.
Close to Fuwairit is the Al Maroona beach, dubbed as one of Qatar’s most visited places due to its golden sand and clear waters. It is about an hour and 10 minutes away from Doha by car. Regency Holidays describes Al Maroona beach as “a small cozy place, with a touch of wildness and serenity”.
For those who love camping, the Umm Bab beach, located on the western coast of the country, is an ideal destination and has been highly recommended by many.
“Umm Bab, also known as the "Palm Tree Beach", has taken its name from the small clusters of palm trees scattered around the sand by the beach…it is a great camping destination to enjoy a day swimming and a night stargazing.”
Just 40km from Doha is the Simaisma beach, described as “a serene paradise,” featuring “soft sand and shallow waters” and offering “a safe environment for families with children to enjoy leisure time by the water”. Many beachgoers visit this pristine beach for long walks and relaxation.
However, VisitQatar noted that many of Qatar's public beaches undergo renovation but can be accessed by visitors, who are advised to bring along necessities such as beach parasols or cold water. Off-road vehicles should be used in going to some of these beaches.
VisitQatar also highlighted the Al Thakira Mangrove Forest – known as one of ‘Qatar’s natural wonders’ and ‘a favourite resting spot for migratory birds – to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26.
The place, located on the North-Eastern coast of Qatar, receives many visitors year-round, offering activities like kayaking, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Besides the beaches, another must-visit place in the North-East of the country is the Al Jassasiya Rock Carving Site – discovered around 1957. It is described as “the most impressive of Qatar’s dozen rock-carving sites, stretching across an area 700m wide.
According to VisitQatar, Al Jassasiya is a heritage site featuring 874 carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’ – the earliest ones are thought to date from Neolithic times.
“What may appear to be a deserted sandstone quarry is a heritage site packed with mystery… The Al Jassasiya rock carvings feature various shapes, including rosettes, fish, ostriches, and cup marks. Carvings of dhow boats, which remain in use to this day, offer a direct link to a long-ago past.
“The cup marks are believed to represent vessels used to store pearls or play ancient board games known as Al Haloosa or Al Huwaila”.
“A pristine natural treasure close to Al Maroona, Fuwairit beach is a stunning location. Located two hours from Doha; with powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters – it is ideal for a relaxing escape,” VisitQatar posted on its social media pages.
Al Maroona beach. PICTURE: Regency Holidays
Apart from swimming, Fuwairit also offers other exciting activities such as kitesurfing and beach volleyball, in addition to relaxing and enjoying the ambience with families and friends.
The beach, which is about an hour and a half drive, serves as a hatching site for Hawksbill sea turtles from April to July, according to VisitQatar.
Umm Bab is a great camping destination. PICTURE: VisitQatar
Close to Fuwairit is the Al Maroona beach, dubbed as one of Qatar’s most visited places due to its golden sand and clear waters. It is about an hour and 10 minutes away from Doha by car. Regency Holidays describes Al Maroona beach as “a small cozy place, with a touch of wildness and serenity”.
For those who love camping, the Umm Bab beach, located on the western coast of the country, is an ideal destination and has been highly recommended by many.
Al Jassasiya is a heritage site featuring 874 carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’. PICTURE: VisitQatar
“Umm Bab, also known as the "Palm Tree Beach", has taken its name from the small clusters of palm trees scattered around the sand by the beach…it is a great camping destination to enjoy a day swimming and a night stargazing.”
Just 40km from Doha is the Simaisma beach, described as “a serene paradise,” featuring “soft sand and shallow waters” and offering “a safe environment for families with children to enjoy leisure time by the water”. Many beachgoers visit this pristine beach for long walks and relaxation.
However, VisitQatar noted that many of Qatar's public beaches undergo renovation but can be accessed by visitors, who are advised to bring along necessities such as beach parasols or cold water. Off-road vehicles should be used in going to some of these beaches.
VisitQatar also highlighted the Al Thakira Mangrove Forest – known as one of ‘Qatar’s natural wonders’ and ‘a favourite resting spot for migratory birds – to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26.
The place, located on the North-Eastern coast of Qatar, receives many visitors year-round, offering activities like kayaking, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Besides the beaches, another must-visit place in the North-East of the country is the Al Jassasiya Rock Carving Site – discovered around 1957. It is described as “the most impressive of Qatar’s dozen rock-carving sites, stretching across an area 700m wide.
According to VisitQatar, Al Jassasiya is a heritage site featuring 874 carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’ – the earliest ones are thought to date from Neolithic times.
“What may appear to be a deserted sandstone quarry is a heritage site packed with mystery… The Al Jassasiya rock carvings feature various shapes, including rosettes, fish, ostriches, and cup marks. Carvings of dhow boats, which remain in use to this day, offer a direct link to a long-ago past.
“The cup marks are believed to represent vessels used to store pearls or play ancient board games known as Al Haloosa or Al Huwaila”.
