Greetings from the land of sun, sand, and sea – Qatar! Here winter or spring only relates to one thing; beach time. Qatar is home to the most amazing beaches in the world offering the ideal spots for those who find joy in sunshine and turquoise water.
From the family-friendly sands to the most adventurous expedition spots, get ready to dive in at the beaches of Qatar. Pack your sunscreen and go for a picnic on your favourite beach in Qatar.
List of Top Public Beaches in Qatar
The salty sea breeze, the sun-kissed you and the endless blue; beach time in Qatar always delights. Continue reading to get more insights about the sands of Qatar.
Planning your next holidays to Qatar? Check out our list of the best travel agencies in Qatar to get the perfect customized tour package.
Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)
Witness the rare view or fusion of golden sand dunes with the turquoise blue water of the sea at Khor AL Adaid. One of the most unusual yet attractive destinations in the world. You’ll find Qatar’s jewel, a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve half an hour’s drive through the mesmerizing sand dunes of Mesaieed from Sealine Beach. In other words, the beach is in the south-eastern region of the country almost 80 kilometres from Doha.
Khor al Adaid aka Inland is the perfect beach spot for fishing, overnight camping or watching the sun dip into the water. Also known as the Inland Sea because in the morning it becomes more like a resort on the lake shore as the water advances on the desert to form the Inland Sea. It attracts nature lovers with its diverse wildlife and plant species.
Fuwairit Beach
Located between Maroona Beach and Al Ghariya Beach near the northern tip, Fuwairit Beach is almost an hour’s drive from Doha. 4×4 is recommended to explore the area around the beach. Also, there are rough rock formations near the beach. An interesting fact associated with Fuwairit Beach is that it remained closed from April to July exclusively for the turtles who lay their eggs here.
The entire beach is fenced and no one is allowed to enter there. The initiative is taken by the Ministry of Environment under Qatar’s Sea Turtle Protection Act. Since, the water of the beach is calm and shallow, making it suitable to do swimming even for young ones. You can also enjoy camping here to see the sea breeze and sunrise views. However, because of the location, capturing sunsets is not possible here.
To add more, it is renowned as a popular spot for world-class kite sports activities in Qatar. Since the conditions of wind and water are ideal here to take up kitesurfing regardless of the expertise level and discipline.
Al Thakhira Beach
Spend the best moments of your life at Al Thakira Beach in Al Khor city. Nestled toward the northern end of Al Khor Corniche, stretching to an area of 10km, about 35-40 KM from Doha, the Al Thakira beach is among the best Kayaking spots in Qatar. Go there for once at least to get the chance to see the arresting beauty of scattered mangrove vegetation and flamingos arriving here during the migratory season.
You can enjoy kayaking, and snorkeling tours arranged by the management to explore the corals, diverse marine life and fascinating panorama around Al Thakira Beach. Bookings and multiple time slots are available for kayaking trips offered by several tour operators and specialist companies.
Take great care as the salt marshes around the beach can be damp and dangerous, especially during the tides. There are small shops around the beach, no need to take everything along the way. To add more, it is an ideal location for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming and arranging barbeque parties with friends and families.
Umm Bab Beach
Feel the pure bliss of nature at the major attraction in the municipality of Al Shahaniya: Umm Bab Beach. The most serene and only beach along the coastline of Al Shahaniya. Located at a distance of about 80 kilometres from Doha, also renowned as Palm Tree Beach. As there are many clusters of Palm Trees.
The activities which one gets to enjoy here are camping, hiking and cycling around the desert area. The beach is fenced properly and also has other facilities such as toilets and kids’ play areas. Besides this, there are no other facilities on this isolated beach.
You need to bring your umbrellas, sunbeds and swimming lifeguards, if you want to go swimming, sunbathing and camping here. Especially many people came here for camping and barbeque parties. As you’ll find here the BBQ pits where you can arrange your barbeque parties.
Al Maroona Beach
Secluded yet beautiful, Al Maroona Beach is an ideal destination for beach bums in Qatar. Nestled along the Northeastern part of Qatar, almost 80 km from Doha. It is a small and cozy beach with a blend of wildness and tranquility, also known as French Beach. Unfortunately, it has no shaded areas, so bring your umbrellas.
There you get the delight of seeing exotic marine species such as starfish, turtles, crabs and many more. It is more like a family spot and one can spend quality time with kids here. Interestingly, the sand of Al Maroona beach is perfect for making sculptures so don’t forget to make one.
It’s a fun activity to build sand castles and indulge with your kids while playing with the muddy sand. More importantly, there are no restaurants or cafes here so bring your food. In other words, pack your picnic bags as you are going to a serene far far-off place with no modern facilities.
Zekreet Beach
Also known as Ras Abrouq Beach or Bir Zekreet, the beach lies 50 miles towards western Doha. The sandy coastline along with clusters of rocks appears magical. The giant mushroom-shaped limestone landscape, the wilderness and the untamed pathway altogether make this beach stand out from the other dozen of beaches in Qatar. With the dramatic terrains and the spectacular panorama, one can pick this attraction for an offbeat gateway in Qatar.
The giant limestone escarpment steals the sigh of many visitors. Since the area is untouched by humans, wildlife here is rare and impressive. Arabian oryx, ostrich and flamingos are the species the visitors claimed to see there. Due to their wild nature, it is suggested to maintain a healthy distance from them.
Even though the beach is famous for its remoteness and is located in a desert region. There are some activities that you try here such as camping, swimming and a barbecue party in serenity. As there are no facilities, make sure to bring all the handy equipment required for these activities.
Dukhan Beach
Another public beach tucked along the serene Arabian Gulf region, around 80 km away from Doha city. Dukhan City is the hub of many archaeological and historical sites in Qatar. With the warm desert sunsets and the soft sand along the seashore, Dukhan Beach is the ideal spot to spend a peaceful evening with your family.
Also, there are many adventurous activities offered by the Dakhan Beach Club. Go snorkelling, go swimming, or throw a Barbeque party here for a wonderful away-from-it break. Closer to the shore, the water is not deep, which means children can equally have fun at Dukhan Beach.
Moreover, the cottages and nipa huts situated here are the ideal stopover spots for overnight camping. Some characteristics and features of this beach include:
- Beach clubhouse
- Private cottages and nipa huts
- Beach park
- Spa services
Al Wakrah Beach
Located just north of Doha, Al-Wakrah Beach is one of the country’s most spectacular beaches. Ideal fun-filled destination, easily accessible by car and just a 30-minute drive from Doha. The magnificent mangroves mesmerize the visitors who come to take in the exotic landscape and wildlife.
Another interesting thing about this beach is its little fish that gently nibble the dead skin from your feet. So you may enjoy a free pedicure during your visit to Al Wakrah beach. Kids will get to see the crabs, tiny fishes and plenty of seashells to chuck in their bucket.
With all the fancy recreational facilities such as welcoming gazebos, umbrellas, kids playground, volleyball court, soccer pitch, lavish restaurants, restrooms and barbecue parties, Al Wakrah beach is a dreamy spot to visit.
Al Farkeh Beach
Connect with nature with another serene, isolated and secluded beach in Qatar. Located in Al Khor Municipality almost 54 KM from Doha and easily accessible by car. This beach is one of the finest beaches in Qatar for leisure and family fun.
The well-maintained area, crystal clear water, multiple playgrounds for kids, mesmerizing views of mangroves, basic amenities and free entry make this place an ideal stopover for fun-seekers. Also, the beach is fenced and there is only one gate for both entry and exit. There are around 50 canopies, wooden umbrellas and other shaded areas for the comfort of visitors.
Besides, enjoy the hot grilled delicacies at the barbecue stands here. To add more, there are three spots over here where you will see the signboards “ Swimming Not Allowed”. The warning is either due to rocks or the water is deep in the area.
List of Private Beaches in Qatar
No one can deny the charm of private beaches, not so populated, and ideal for families. These private beaches have affiliations with high-ranked hotels and beach clubs and are available exclusively for their guests. You can have the beach all to yourself.
Following are some of the private beaches in Qatar.
Katara Beach
Private but natural scenic spot, nestled in Katara cultural village offering myriads adventures at the beach. This private beach is the ultimate refreshing treat to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beach is well-managed and well-equipped to enjoy adventurous activities such as kayaking, boating, knee boarding, jet skiing and a lot more.
If you’re an adventure junkie and aspire to enjoy your beach vacation, then I recommend that must do a water skiing activity here, that is of almost 30 minutes. Especially, one must not miss out on scuba diving here when on vacation in Qatar. Because scuba diving brings out an adrenaline rush like you never experienced before.
Moreover, there are other options such as parasailing, pearl diving, windsurfing, knee boarding, kitesurfing and what not. All the activities are among those things that you can boast about with your friends. What more can one ask for in terms of having the best time of their lives?
After enjoying a day at one of the best beaches in Qatar, you can dive into a variety of other fun activities to do in Qatar.
Banana Island
Banana Island is your ideal go to private luxury gateway to heal from your downtime. The island stands like a crescent-shaped attraction extended over an area of 12 hectares. While it’s not mandatory to be a guest at the Banana Resort to enjoy the beach time at Banana Island. There are multiple options to enjoy here such as luxury hotels, diverse cuisine range, beach clubs and banana boating spots.
Banana boating is the fun-rendering experience to enjoy most out of your visit there. Make your luxury island escape unforgettable with spa bliss and sunset dining on remote shores. There are hotels with sea view rooms, overwater villas and the suites open up to the most serene skyline of Doha.
Intercontinental Doha Beach and Spa
When it comes to private beaches, intercontinental Doha Beach and Spa tops the list. It holds the longest private beach with the best vistas in Doha. It features 14 best restaurants and bars, multiple recreational places, a free-form swimming pool and an exclusive spa intercontinental. Summer is a time for relaxation and rejuvenation with special summer deals here.
Also, keep your body happy and hydrated with customized recovery massages at Spa Intercontinental Beach and Spa Qatar. Nothing beats the refreshing escape of water on a sunny day. So enjoy the serene views at the intercontinental beach and spa in Doha.
Kaia Beach Club
With world-class hospitality, flavoursome food, and surreal natural vistas, Kaia Beach Club Qatar is a paradise for party lovers. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or going on a leisure holiday with your loved ones, the beach club has an idyllic ambience for all. Plus, you can avail the multiple deals designed by the management to enjoy a soul-satisfying gateway close to nature.
The dreamlike island with high-class stylish rooms, suites and villas, a thrilling water park, a marina, a spa and fitness facilities will surely uplift your holiday mood. To add more, one can plan their big days with their world-renowned hospitality and budget packages for lavish destination celebrations.
To explore a variety of culinary delights, visit our guide on the best restaurants in Qatar that cater to all tastes and preferences.
Four Season Beach Qatar
Located on the corniche, The Four Seasons Doha offers beautiful oceans and city skyline views. The Four Season Hotel group is famous for its outstanding hospitality, and its Doha property is no exception. Affiliated with the famous Four Season Hotel Doha Qatar, is another luxury spot for beach fun seekers to keep their holiday spirits alive.
There are five outdoor swimming pools, a private pristine beach and a luxury yacht marina at the hotel for its guests. Besides, there are plenty of activities that the guests can do here such as banana boating, speed boat riding and sunbathing. There are many activities the tourists can indulge in such as swimming, kayaking, boating etc.
Wrap up
The aesthetically designed beach area is another example of luxuries you come across in Qatar. You can party the day away by draping yourself over a luxe sun lounger, grab some delicious beach-side food and fish out a flash swimming outfit. This is your guide to the most beautiful public and private beaches in Qatar. Enjoy the sightseeing! But please don’t leave your trash behind and don’t damage the environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
| Which beach is less crowded in Qatar? Among the public beaches listed here in this list of top public and private beaches in Qatar, Umm Bab is the most isolated, secluded and serene beach. On the contrary, private beaches are usually less crowded with only a few specific people. |
| Which beach is free in Qatar? Almost all the public beaches mentioned above are free. Following is the list of free beaches in Qatar: Fuwairit Beach Umm Bab Beach Khor Al Adaid Beach Al Thakhira Beach Al Wakra Beach |
| What do you wear to the beach in Doha? Modesty prevails in Qatari culture. Both males and females wear modest swimsuits on beaches in Qatar. It is not ethical to wear bikini shorts or see-through clothes at public beaches in Qatar. Female swimsuits should cover their legs at least to their knees and should cover their shoulders and cleavage too. Men should also cover their legs to the knees and should wear a shirt to cover their torso or shoulders. |
| What are the rules for the beaches in Qatar? Avoid swimming if not permitted Dress modestly at public beaches. Bikinis, shorts, being shirtless and see-through clothes are not allowed Drinking alcohol is prohibited at public beaches. Avoid littering |
