Adventure Tourism in Qatar
Qatar offers thrilling adventures that allow visitors to commune with nature and experience the majesty of the desert, inspiring awe and taking their breath away.
The desert
The undulating sand dunes of Qatar’s desert proffer a stark beauty, and are a popular destination, for a recreational safari or the spectacular landscape.
Desert Adventures
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. Visitors can take an exhilarating desert safari over the dunes to this site, accessible by 4×4 vehicles.
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.
Camel and horse ride
Camels and horses have long been valued in the region. For a truly authentic desert experience, nothing beats a camel ride over the soft dunes, while horse lovers can head to the Emiri stables within Souq Waqif, the Racing and Equestrian Club, or Al Shaqab, the country’s pre-eminent equestrian centre, to see sleek Arabian horses. For a uniquely local experience, head to the Al Shahaniya camel racetrack, where robot jockeys guide camels to victory.
Inland Sea/ Khor Al Adaid
The UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is a rare example of the sea encroaching deep into the heart of the desert.
The air
View Qatar from above, with paragliding and kite surfing, or for something different, contact one of several specialised operators for light aircraft, gliders, ultralights, gyroplanes, and microlights.
Skydiving in Qatar
Skydiving is one of the most exquisite experiences one can have in Qatar. World-class instructors and facilities welcome all adrenaline-seekers to enjoy the thrill of jumping from the sky.
Paragliding
Strong winds and vast skies make the deserts of Qatar perfect for paragliding, offering a wholly different perspective of the landscape.
The water
With over 560 km of coastline, Qatar boasts abundant marine life and crystal waters making it ideal for fishing, sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing.
Diving in the Arabian Gulf
From above ground to under water, there is plenty of exploring to be done. Dive sites are easily accessible, and include wreck, deep water, and reef dives.
Kitesurfing in Qatar
Kitesurfing is a thrilling activity that combines surfing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing, affording thrills and views over the desert landscape. These activities are available through various operators in Doha and outside.
Beaches in Qatar
Qatar is a fantastic destination for sun-worshippers year round. Unspoiled beaches dot the country’s coastline, and are ideal for a quick escape. Luxury hotels and resorts with private beaches offer comfortable cabanas and childcare services, along with a wide variety of water sports.
Kayaking through the Al Thakira Mangroves
Al Thakira mangroves, located just north of the seaside city of Al Khor, present a large expanse of natural greenery. A great way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, available from several tour operators and specialised companies. Morning and afternoon trips are available and can be booked in advance.
Qatari Dhow Cruises (Mahmal)
Qatar has a proud history of seafaring, and today it is possible to experience that aboard a traditional wooden dhow boat. Full-day, half-day and evening sightseeing excursions, including a meal, can be arranged through hotels or local tour operators.
Other activities & sports
Doha offers a wide variety of sporting activities and facilities catering to all tastes. These include football, golf, squash, other water activities, as well as group fitness.
Qatar’s Golf offerings
Qatar is an up-and-coming golf destination boasting some of the finest golf courses in the region equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Education City Golf Club
The newly opened Education City Golf Club in Doha features the first Trackman driving range in the city as well as a power tee and indoor putting green.
Focused on education as well as an excellent standard of play, the Education City Golf Club combines ultramodern technology with PGA golf training facilities. The course comprises 33 golf holes – two Championship courses (one 18-hole and one six-hole) that have been specially crafted and designed by Jose Maria Olazábal. Night golfing is available on the 9-hole course which has been floodlit to allow for golfing during cooler hours.
At the heart of the club is the Centre of Excellence, a state-of-the-art learning facility for golf development complete with private swing studios offering the latest in camera and ball flight technology; a putting lab and gymnasium. Golfers can perfect their game at the first TrackMan technology-equipped driving range in the city, where each shot is tracked by a radar, or test out the automated power tee and indoor putting green featuring a moving floor to simulate sloping putts.
Commercial Bank Qatar Masters
The annual Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament, a ranking event on the European PGA Tour, is held in January at the Doha Golf Club, drawing the world’s best golfers and a growing number of spectators.
Doha Golf Club
Doha Golf Club is one of the first grass golf courses ever built in the Middle East. Inaugurated in the mid-1990s, this 7,374-yard magnificent course is home to an 18-hole Championship Course, a floodlit 9-hole Academy Course, an expansive driving range and putting green, 8 artificial lakes, graceful landscaping and a beautiful clubhouse.
The course was designed in line with USGA standards with all green areas of the golf course including the fairways, greens, tees and rough meeting USGA Specification. The club’s facilities also include several restaurants, lounges and conference rooms.
