Qatar is one of the most stunning peninsular Arab nations, and has over 560 kms of coastline that extend into the Persian gulf. The country has beautiful beaches lying across the region, and a lot of them are easily accessible from Doha, the capital city of Qatar.
Qatar has a lot to offer to its tourists, but bear in mind that public beaches require women to cover up until their knees which means no bikinis and men need to wear shorts. Although hotels do not have a strict dress code.
Beaches in Qatar attract people to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, so here are some of the best beaches in Qatar that definitely deserve a visit.
Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)
Located south from Sealine Beach, Khor Al Adaid is the ideal place for fishing, sand surfing, swimming, and camping. Here the sand dunes meet the sea, and to say the least, the place is one of Qatar’s jewels.
Known as the Inland Sea, the place preserves the exotic wilderness of Qatar, mainly flora, fauna, and marine life. The picturesque sea is the perfect place to give your taste buds a treat to freshly grilled seafood.
The magnificent place attracts Nature with its diverse variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Since you won’t be able to conquer the dunes with an ordinary car, you’ll have to travel in a 4×4. It’s half hours’ drive from Sealine Beach and about two and a half hours from the capital city of Doha.
Zekreet Beach
Zekreet beach is called ‘remote’ and ‘secluded’ as it is located on a peninsula in West Qatar. It is located about 100 km west of Doha and can only be accessed in a 4×4. The rocky, secluded beach is known for its calmness and serenity, which takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Zekreet Beach is an ideal place for overnight camping owing to its tranquil ambience. If you want to spend a night under the stars, make sure you’re well packed with every essential amenity.
There are a lot of things that you can do here. You can spend some quality time with your family in the evening and if you’re up for some adventure, you can enjoy surfing and camping. You can also explore the forts, the archaeological sites, and an abandoned film set nearby.
You will also find water sports enthusiasts surfing along the coast in the daytime. Owing to its peaceful and serene atmosphere, Zekreet Beach is the ideal place to enjoy nature away from the chaos of the city life.
Fuwairit Beach
Located on the northernmost tip of Qatar, Fuwairit Beach is flanked by beautiful rock formations and is the ideal place to admire the beautiful and calm water views. It is a fair way out of the city but is still one of the most popular beaches in Qatar.
It is also one of the popular spots for water sports and swimming. You can also enjoy beach activities like beach volleyball and kitesurfing. The best time to come here is the weekend when you can enjoy the sun rays and turquoise waters.
If you’re thinking of a picnic, make sure to pack food and essentials since the beach lacks facilities. The beach is closed from April to July, this is because of the Hawksbill turtles who lay their eggs on the beach during this season.
Sealine Beach
Known for its golden sand dunes, Sealine Beach is located at the southern end of the Qatari peninsula and is one of the most famous public beaches in Qatar. Doesn’t matter if you’re with friends or family, you can enjoy a number of activities here such as camel riding, scuba diving, desert safaris, and sand bashing. You can also rent a dune buggy and drive through the desert.
The beach has a lot to offer to its tourists, and once you visit it, you’ll definitely yearn to go back again. To end your day, you can stroll along the beach and admire the view of the sand dunes meeting the sea. The beach is a 40 minute ride from the city of Doha.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the beach, Sealine Beach Resort is the perfect option to experience a tranquil holiday experience and offers the most lavish facilities to its customers. The hospitality at the resort is unmatched and will instantly make you feel like home with their staff always ready at your service.
Umm Bab Beach
Located on the western coast of Qatar, Umm Bab Beach lies around 35 minutes south of Zekreet Beach. It is also known as ‘Palm Tree Beach’ since it has clusters of palm trees scattered around the sand. You can spend an entire day on this shoreline as the beach has facilities like barbecue grills and kids’ play zones. Since there are a lot of palm trees giving shade from the sun, it is an ideal place to admire the coastal beauty.
Umm Bab Beach is secured with fences, so you can enjoy without worrying about kids. You can go hiking or try cycling around the shore. You can also camp here since they have restroom facilities and there is also a small shop for necessities.
Katara Beach
Located in the heart of Doha, Katara Beach is the perfect place to enjoy all kinds of water activities. Surrounded by breathtaking views, Katara Beach is a part of Katara Village, a public art and cultural development with access to a variety of cultural events. The beach is easily accessible and is suitable for families.
Tourists can do a range of activities here including waterskiing, parasailing, speed boat rides, and kneeboarding. They can sunbathe on the sand and can relish different cuisines served at the food stalls and restaurants. Katara Beach offers a safe environment, however, women should be covered till their knees and men should wear shorts.
Al Maroona Beach
Al Maroona Beach is located in the north-eastern part of Qatar and is a breathtaking treasure that definitely deserves a visit. The beach is about 80 kilometres from Doha. Often referred to as French Beach, Al Maroona Beach’s best part is the soft sand with a golden hue and warm and clear sea which is quite literally transparent.
It is one of the finest swimming spots in the country and the turquoise waters make it even better to have romantic picnic with your partner. A soft soil road is what takes you to the beach and visitors are advised to take a car to reach the beach. To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit the beach is not the weekend, but the weekdays.
Since there is no shaded area, visitors are advised to bring an umbrella to protect themselves from the heat of the sun. This peace offering beach should definitely be on your travel list as it offers the perfect ambience for a soulful trip.
Al Thakira Beach
Located 60 km north of Doha, Al Thakira Beach is popular due to its biggest mangrove preserve, an amazing relief from all the sand. The beach offers a range of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming. There are playgrounds for the young ones, benches on the beach, and also a walking promenade that makes it all the more worth it to visit this beautiful place laden with rare birds that you won’t find anywhere else.
The biodiversity is striking and it’s incredible to watch the rich wildlife and rare birds that call this place a home. The beach is a perfect place to spend some time away from the city and rejuvenate amidst the surreal environment.
Hope you enjoyed the article on best beaches in Qatar. Have you visited any of them? Which one you like the most. Please share your thoughts in comments below.
