As a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Qatar’s 350 miles of coastline are a haven for varied marine life and an ideal spot for those seeking sand, sun and some warm waters.
Qatar soaks up sunny weather year-round, but the best time to head to the water and immaculate beaches is November to April, when the outside temperature dips. While Doha does have some city beaches — many West Bay hotels provide a high-end day pass experience with beach access — the most interesting places are about an hour from the capital.
An important consideration is that many public beaches have dress codes, and all are expected to dress modestly. Stretches of sand at hotels or private beach clubs, however, are more relaxed about this point.
The Inland Sea
Fifty miles from Doha, where the desert meets the sea, the wondrous Inland Sea is a landlocked lagoon surrounded by picture-perfect sand dunes. Khor Al Adaid, as it is also known, is a gulf inlet southeast of Doha, on the border with neighboring Saudi Arabia. Easily booked as a day trip or sunset excursion from Doha, the calm waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are great for swimming and kayaking. Many operators have cabanas and tents by the water, so you can enjoy a beach barbecue or a swim. With several reefs (manmade and natural) and a mix of underwater life, it’s a favorite destination for divers, dune bashers and sandboarders.
One of a clutch of city beach clubs that opened in 2022, this is the most popular and has the best facilities. Open from 10 a.m. to sunset daily, it provides plenty to keep you occupied. Home to the country’s largest floating waterpark, the attraction also has sun beds, a beach volleyball space and a ladies-only area equipped with showers, changing rooms and an all-female staff. An onsite kiosk sells snacks and drinks, or you can opt for the beachside bar or restaurant for something more substantial. A day pass can be purchased (children under 16 are free), and pre-booking is encouraged.
Fuwairit Beach
Qatar has established itself as a destination for the adrenaline-seeking kite surfers. This beach, on Qatar’s north coast just over an hour from Doha, is blessed with clear blue waters and is a magnet for adventurers. The free public beach boasts some of the most pristine waters you will come across. Several private companies lead kite surfing activities here, or you can book an overnight stay at the Fuwairit Kite Beach hotel.During the summer, part of the sand is cordoned off by the government to facilitate hawksbill sea turtle hatching season, which can be a cute diversion.
Sealine Beach
Sealine is one of Qatar’s most popular and accessible beaches. The municipal beach is free, spotlessly maintained and about an hour outside of Doha. There are picnic tables and gazebos with convenient access to the dunes and the water as well. The nearby Sealine Beach resort offers day passes or staycations in its beachfront chalets, but there are cafés and kiosks on the public side for food and drinks. Here, you can also hire a dune buggy, ride on a camel or simply watch the famed Qatar sunset. Additionally, Sealine Beach is often a stop on an organized “desert safari,” so you could easily incorporate the popular Inland Sea in one trip.
Zekreet Beach
Also known as Ras Abrouq Beach, Zekreet sits on the western edge of the country and is one of the most spectacular sun-splashed regions in Qatar. The landscape is dominated by dome-shaped limestone rock formations, giving the area an otherworldly feel. There is no public transport, so the best way to get there is by 4×4 — it is possible to arrive by a standard car, but a 4×4 makes for a smoother journey — or through a tour company.
The road to the beach passes by some unique attractions, including sculptor Richard Serra’s striking installation East-West/West-East; Film City, which is a model of a Qatari village used for TV productions; and free-roaming oryx, gazelles and flamingoes. The beach may be bare of many facilities, yet it remains a favorite for overnight campers due to its solitude and star-gazing potential.
Al Safliyah Island
A short boat ride from Doha’s Corniche, Al Safliyah Island is just south of The Pearl Qatar. A desired weekend spot for locals and visitors, it has a desert island vibe with city views. There are umbrellas at the southern end of the island but no other facilities; however, you can book a day trip on a traditional dhow boat from Doha through one of the many tour operators. This excursion includes lunch, jet skiing and other water sports. The boats anchor just off the island as part of the trip.
This family-friendly city beach supplies everything you need for a lovely day out. Next to the iconic 974 Stadium, one of the venues for World Cup Qatar 2022, your sun lounger has views across Doha’s skyline. You will find plentiful places to sit alongside a nearly mile-long stretch of beach, an inflatable waterpark, food kiosks and spaces for beach volleyball and soccer. You can also rent jet skis, stand-up paddleboards and other water sports equipment. Note: Tuesdays and Saturdays are reserved for women, and everyone is asked to show photo ID to enter.
