The desert

In days gone by, Bedouin tribes would move across the desert, setting up camp while grazing their animals and engaging in trade.  Today, this tradition remains embedded in Qatari culture, with the annual winter camping season or Al Enna, whereby locals venture to the desert in elaborate camps, returning to the land.  The desert is an integral part of local culture, and boasts a surprising array of activities.  From relaxing tent side to dune-bashing or parasailing, the desert is anything but beige.

The impressive 'Inland Sea' or Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO recognized site, lies to the south of the city, and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert.  For a truly authentic desert experience, nothing beats a camel ride over the soft dunes, before embarking on an exhilarating desert safari over the dunes to Khor Al Adaid, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles.  Surfer feeling like a fish out of water? Sandboard along the dunes for a unique experience, or hit the dunes on a quad bike, ATV or dune buggy. Prefer a bird’s eye view? Paragliding, kitesurfing and more are readily available. 

A favourite Qatari pastime, visitors can enjoy daytime, evening, or overnight camping trips through one of several companies that operate Bedouin-style camps (with all the mod-cons) in the desert. The reserve is home to wildlife, marine life and vegetation - look out for turtles, flamingos, dugongs, Arabian oryx, camels and more.