Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND DOHA
While Qatar isn't exactly blessed with sights and activities outside the capital of Doha, it
does have several attractions that justify the cost of hiring a vehicle for a day or two, in-
cluding a few coastal villages where life still revolves around fishing and the local mosque.
The land is arid in the extreme but that is not to say it is featureless: there are some beau-
tiful beaches, interesting wind-eroded escarpments and large areas of sand dune. The coun-
try's biggest natural attraction is undoubtedly Khor al-Adaid, a saltwater inlet in the south
surrounded by a magical landscape of sand and salt.
Camping at Khor al-Adaid or at Bir Zekreet is a reminder of the achievement of the
Qataris (which they have in common with their Gulf neighbours) in fashioning a complex
modern state from a virtually barren plot of land.
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Al-Wakrah & Al-Wukair
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The old pearling villages of Al-Wakrah and Al-Wukair are rapidly stringing out to meet the
Doha suburbs. They make a pleasant afternoon outing from the capital, however, and there
are several interesting old
mosques
and
traditional houses
in and around the gracious modern vil-
las. The
old souq
along the shoreline is being given a makeover following the success of
Souq Waqif in Doha.
The
beaches
south of Al-Wakrah offer glorious stretches of sand, interspersed with the odd
khor
(creek). The shallow water makes paddling a better option than swimming. At least
the determined wader is in good company: flocks of
flamingos
roost along the coast between
Al-Wakrah and Mesaieed during winter, and groups of six or seven flamingos are a familiar
sight, sieving the water with their beaks, or with neck and one leg tucked up, taking a nap.
Fishing
is a popular pastime in the area, as the limestone shallows act as fish traps when the
tide goes out.
Both Al-Wakrah and Al-Wukair are an easy 15-minute drive by car from Doha, follow-
ing Al-Matar Rd past the airport and heading south. The bus from Doha leaves every 20
minutes and costs QR5.
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