Qatar

Qatar is a peninsular Arab country whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Also on the coast is the capital, Doha, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design.

My Trips

• 2003 November 02 to 12 (10 Days): I arrived in Doha on my way to Belgium and stayed there for 10 days with my relatives.
• 2010 February 26 to April 16 (50 Days): Second visit to Qatar with my wife on a job hunt staying with my relatives.
• 2010 May 25 to Till Date (10+ Years): Started living and working here in Qatar.

Visited Places/Attractions

• Corniche
• Pearl Monument
• Souq Waqif
• Falcon Souq
• Souq Al Wakrah
• Katara Cultural Village
• Pearl Qatar
• Villaggio Mall
• Qatar National Library
• Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
• Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
• Msheireb Museums (Bin Jelmood House, Radwani House, Company House, Mohammed bin Jassim House)
• Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation
• Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque (State Mosque)
• 7 by Richard Serra
• East-West / West-East by Richard Serra
• MIA Park
• Hotel Park
• Al Bidda Park
• Aspire Park
• Baladna Farm
• Al Zubarah Fort
• Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings
• Mesaieed Sealine Public Beach
• Singing Sand Dunes
• Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)
• Ras Abrouq rock formation (Zekreet)
• Dahl Al Misfir Cave (Musfur Sinkhole)
• Al Thakira Mangroves
• Purple Island
• Katara Beach

To Visit

• Talia Mare Beach Club
• Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
• Barzan Towers
• Arab Postal Stamps Museum (Building 22, Katara Cultural Village)
• National Museum of Qatar
• Doha Fire Station Museum
• Doha Fort
• Parisa Souq Waqif Restaurant

Qatar for Nature Lovers

(My answers to a podcast interview)

Q: Welcome to short talks. Our guest today is Mr. Sameer. He is a blogger, nature lover and traveller. Welcome Mr. Sameer to the show.

A: Thank you for having me!

Q: You love to spend time with nature and Qatar being a small country do not have much opportunity or places to go for nature lovers. How do you deal with this?

A: I know many people think that there is nothing much to do for nature lovers here in Qatar. Actually it's a misconception. Qatar is surrounded by a beautiful coastline with numerous less explored beaches. These places may not have proper road access but guarantees to provide a serene experience. There will be less people and less garbage. I enjoy exploring the shallow waters of Qatar seas where you might encounter many interesting creatures. This makes every trip a different experience. Recently we spotted a squid and it was fascinating to watch it spray ink all around when it sensed we were approaching.

Q: That must be really a sight to watch. Other than the beaches what else attract you in Qatar?

A: Qatar's sand dunes are mighty and beautiful. It's good for dune driving and the panoramic views they offer will never disappoint you. Then there are varieties of limestone rock formations in the northern area. They are carved by the wind and looks like huge mushrooms. There is a mesmerising gypsum cave which is very deep and offers a cool atmosphere even in hot weathers. Then there are mangrove forests which attracts various birds including herons and flamingos. Kayaking around these mangroves is an unforgettable experience. I also visit different farms here where fresh water bodies attract birds and animals.

Q: That's amazing... I never knew there were these many options here for nature lovers. So what is your favourite place in Qatar?

A: Singing Sand Dunes. It's a magical place. The sand dunes there are special. When you walk, run or slide down the dunes, it makes a vibrating sound due to friction. I love camping overnight at Singing Sand Dunes as it offers beautiful night sky views without any light pollution from cities; and I never get tired of going there.

Q: Interesting... so you also do night camping in Qatar. Where else you have camped other than Singing Sand Dunes?

A: I have camped overnight at many places in Qatar. Beach sides are a good option for camping. Inland Sea is an excellent area for a dune drive trip and night camping at the end.

Q: I understand you must be requiring a 4 wheel drive car to reach these kind of places. Who do you usually travel with?

A: Yes, you do require a 4x4 car to reach most of these places. We have a group of friends here who are passionate about exploring natural places in Qatar. When the hot season is over, we travel with families on most of the weekends. It's very important to introduce kids to the nature from a young age. This triggers their curiosity and helps them understand the environment they live in better.

Q: Thank you Mr. Sameer for your time. It was great to talk to you and find out more about nature trips here in Qatar.

A: Thank you and good bye!