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From thrilling activities in the heart of the Arabian desert to breathtaking views of its pristine coastline, many exciting bucket-list adventures are waiting to be had here. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, dare to explore and discover why Qatar is known as one of the most underrated places in the Middle East.
1. Paratriking during sunset in Qatar
Paratriking, a thrilling combination of paragliding and hang gliding, is among Qatar’s most popular extreme sports. Adventurers have the unique opportunity to soar through the sky during breathtaking sunsets at some of Qatar’s top flying spots, including Sealine Beach Club, where they can marvel at rolling dunes while roaring winds lift them with each surge of their wings.
Paratrikers flock to local operators such as Sky Masters, who can also instruct guests on wingsuit flying. At the same time, parasailing and hot air balloon flights offer more tranquil adventures for those seeking a gentler experience. Regardless of your route, flying during sunset will indeed be an unforgettable experience!
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2. Kayaking through Qatar’s lush Al Thakira Mangroves
For a grand tour of one of Qatar’s most lush and captivating ecosystems, take the family on a Kayaking adventure through the Al Thakira Mangroves. Experienced guides will lead your group through the intricate network of channels, teaching fascinating insights about the diverse wildlife that calls these mangroves home.
After exploring this aquatic paradise, why not continue your journey with a walk on Qatar’s vibrant Purple Island or unwind on Al Thakhira Beach for further tranquillity? Kayaking is an unforgettable experience for all ages, with something special waiting around every corner!
Purple Island Mangroves, Courtesy of Qatar Tourism
3. Clicking photos at Qatar’s Inland Sea
Khor Al Adaid Beach in the southern corner of Qatar is a majestic sight. With its shimmering turquoise waters lapping up against dunes that reach dizzying heights of up to 40 metres, Khor Al Adaid Beach, approximately 80 km from Doha, is definitively a nature-lovers paradise.
There’s an otherworldly feeling surrounding Khor Al Adaid – the beach becoming more like a resort in the morning when waters advance from the inland sea and changing into an almost deserted landscape in the evening when the sea recedes.
Not only this, but Khor Al Adaid also offers magical sunrises and sunsets with ever-changing hues on their sand dunes. What’s more, Khor Al Adaid is home to gazelle, oryx, and sometimes even flamingos making for fantastic photo opportunities during your visit.
Qatar’s Inland Sea, Courtesy of Qatar Tourism
4. Trying dune bashing in Khor Al Adaid, Doha
Exploring the dunes of Khor Al Adaid in Qatar has become an exciting and sought-after adventure. Commencing from Doha, the journey out to Sealine Beach involves a thrilling 4×4 ride before drivers let some air out of the tyres at the edge of the desert for dune bashing.
This popular pastime is embraced as a national sport, bringing joy and a sense of pride to those who participate. There’s no better way to experience this rich landscape than by dune bashing, flinging and careening through the dunes as though strapped atop a runaway rollercoaster!
Coming along for a rollicking ride is almost essential when visiting Qatar, making dune bashing an adventurous rite of passage not to be missed.
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5. Booking a desert safari experience
Whether you’re looking for a half-day desert safari experience or an overnight stay at a desert camp, guests at Khor Al Adaid will enjoy luxurious Bedouin hospitality and thrilling desert activities.
Travellers can take on the dunes like a pro with sandboarding, camel riding, and brave off-road adventures by ATV, quad bike, or fat bike. Then, enjoy a sumptuous barbecue banquet while watching the sunset over the desert skyline and later marvel at the starlit sky while sipping Karak tea fireside.
Read More: Green Side Of The Desert
Whether you tackle it in one day or one night, desert exploration has never been more plentiful – or exhilarating!
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6. Visiting the Dahl Al Misfir Sinkhole
Qatar’s natural beauty is on full display with Dahl Al Misfir, an ancient formation located west of Doha. It is Qatar’s largest and deepest accessible cave, reaching depths of nearly 40 meters and giving off a faint, otherworldly glow due to its rich fibrous gypsum deposits.
To get to Dahl Al Misfir, visitors must take a winding off-road route, best done in a 4×4 vehicle, traversing Salwa Road and then Rawdat Rashed Road. Qatar is truly known for its luxury, but it wouldn’t be complete without exploring this remarkable part of Qatar’s natural formations.
7. Qatar, a playground for water sports enthusiasts
Qatar is truly a water sports playground in the winter season! Its crystal-clear beaches, unmatched diving conditions and abundance of sailing routes make Qatar an ideal destination for beach-goers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
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From kite surfing to wakeboarding, Qatar’s waters offer plenty of ways for adrenaline seekers to get their heart racing. Qatar’s 563 kilometres of coastline are especially conducive to sailing, with clubs providing training in everything from dinghies and keelboats to traditional dhow boats, dragon boating and even luxury yachts – all while taking in the stunningly opulent scenery of Qatar. So it’s easy to understand why Qatar draws so many visitors each year looking for a little aquatic adventure! ◼
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© This article was first published online in Dec 2022 – World Travel Magazine.