Nature in Qatar

The rocky desert or hamada is the ecosystem most commonly found in Qatar. Rocks are formed by the weathering of local bedrock and joined by particles from sand and rainstorms.

Fossilised limestone sand dunes called jebels are famous in Qatar for the nearly 900 carvings (petroglyphs) found at sites like Al Jassasiya. Dating back to Neolithic times, you’ll discover etchings of ancient board games, pearl holders, ostriches and dhow boats. 

While there are no permanent rivers in Qatar, you might spot slivers of green in the dry river valleys called wadis. Flash flooded during the rainy season, these short runs (runnels) attract a diverse animal community of birds, geckos, spiny-tailed agamas, hedgehogs, snakes and more.

Rawdah (Arabic for fertile or meadow), sinkholes and caves prove that once a wetter Arabia existed. As groundwater dissolved carbonate rock, sinkholes and caves like the spectacular Dahl Al Misfir were formed. As these underground pockets fill during winter rains, life follows the water and lush green oases beckon hopping desert rodents, birds, foxes and bats.

Qatar is famous for its striking crescent-shaped sand dunes in the desert, giving off a magical vibrating sound when you move the sand, similar to singing or humming. Sand dunes might look static, but they move as much as 10 metres per year. If you’re a thrill seeker, Qatar’s sand dunes offer endless adventures.

The eerie beauty of Qatar’s salt flats or sabhkas is the result of salt water coming into contact with low-lying land, giving these plains their signature salt encrusted appearance. On the way to Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea), you will spot many sabkhas and, if you’re lucky, the nocturnal Gulf sand gecko.

You’ll be amazed at the lush green oases found at Purple Island and Al Thakhira Beach. These mangrove forests are true ecological wonders, acting as a carbon sink and playing home to birdlife, fish and gastropods. Grey and white mangrove trees thrive in briny water, extreme temperatures, changing tides and high-water levels. A favourite resting place during the flamingo migration, you’ll love exploring the mangroves on a peaceful kayak ride.

Did you know that coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine species? Qatar is the richest in coral reefs of all the Gulf countries. The best ones can be found on the north-eastern coast and around Al Aaliya Island – a sanctuary and foraging habitat for an array of aquatic life and endangered species like hawksbill sea turtles.

Gulf seagrass beds are among the highest productive ecosystems on the planet, boasting fantastic carbon sequestration capacity like mangroves and salt marshes. Seagrasses are the staple diet of marine reptiles, fish and mammals like the smiley-faced dugongs. 

Our popular beaches and warm turquoise waters are not just for swimming and water sports but are also wonderful places to discover birds and sea life, see interesting rock formations and walk along miles of sand. Explore the sandy shores of the unspoilt Zekreet Beach, the serene paradise of Simaisma Beach or reef of Dukhan Beach – there are plenty of wild beaches where you can enjoy a picnic or even spend the night.