6 Best Beaches in Qatar

Beaches in Qatar line the shorelines of the Arabian Gulf, offering idyllic spots for those looking to enjoy the sunshine and turquoise water. The Qatar peninsula impresses with its modern skyline, buzzing traditional markets, and desert landscape.

While Qatar might not instantly spring to mind as a world-famous beach destination, you can find pretty strips of sand with thrilling activities. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly facilities or just a relaxed place to unwind, there’s a beach in Qatar to suit.

Where are the best beaches in Qatar?

1. Banana Island

Just a 25-minute boat ride from downtown Doha

Good for: Couples, Families, Luxury

Those in search of some beach time can hop aboard a luxury catamaran at the dock near the Museum of Islamic Art and head out to Banana Island. Expect to enjoy a day of lounging by the pools, kayaking, banana boat rides, waterslides, and a bunch more water sports and fun activities for the family.

Operated by the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, day passes to the island include boat transfer, pool and beach access, and credit to spend at the resort restaurants and leisure activities.

Location: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Doha, Qatar

Phone: +974 4040 5050

2. Khor Al Adaid

Breathtakingly beautiful inland sea

Good for: Families, History, Photo, Budget

Khor Al Adaid attracts nature lovers with its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. If UNESCO refers to a nature reserve as “a remarkable landscape,” you know you’re in for a treat when you head for this inland beach.

Watch the sunset from the summits of the sand dunes or watch flocks of migratory birds occupying the shores. In this conservation area, you can enjoy picnicking, overnight camping, stargazing, and fishing. You can only get to Khor Al Adaid on a 4x4, as you won’t be able to conquer the dunes with an ordinary car.

Location: Inland Sea Off Road, Qatar

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3. Al Thakhira Beach

Stunning mangroves along this long stretch of coastline

Good for: Families, Budget

Al Thakhira Beach, located 37 miles north of Doha, is a popular place mainly for family gatherings. Benches on the beach, a walking promenade, and playgrounds for the young ones make for an excellent getaway for those with kids.

A beautiful addition to this Northern Qatari beach is a mangrove forest stretching out along the coastline. While you’ll get a view of the mangroves from the shores, it’s more fun to join a kayak excursion. The biodiversity is stunning, and it’s incredible to see the many species of birds that call this place home.

Location: Al Dhakira, Qatar

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4. Fuwairit Beach

Relaxing swimming at this picturesque seaside

Good for: Families, Budget

Fuwairit Beach sits on the northernmost tip of Qatar, almost 162 miles north of Doha. Due to its long distance from the capital, this beach is rarely crowded. Flanked by beautiful rock formations, its shallow and calm water invites you for a cooling dip with picturesque views.

The beach lacks amenities and eateries, so it’s a good idea to pack your own umbrella and picnic. Fuwairit Beach is closed from April to July, when hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on this stretch of sand.

Location: Al Ghārīyah, Qatar

Open: 24/7 (closed from April to July)

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5. Zekreet West Beach

A variety of Qatar’s wildlife and limestone rocks

Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure

Zekreet Beach is often described as remote, and its location on a peninsula in West Qatar validates this statement. Located 62 miles west of Doha, you will need to rent a 4x4 to reach this beach and enjoy a scenic drive over the rugged terrain.

Bring your goggles to enjoy snorkeling in the ocean or stay inland to see gazelles, deer, and ostriches roaming around freely. Facilities are non-existent on Zekreet Beach, so make sure to pack all the food and gear you need for an adventurous day on the west coast of Qatar.

Location: Film City, Qatar

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6. Umm Bab Beach

Dappled shade from lush date palms

Good for: Families, Photo, Budget

Umm Bab Beach lies around 35 minutes south of Zekreet Beach. It’s not just the fine sand that draws in beachgoers, it has plenty of date palms providing shelter from the sun. You can easily spend an entire day on this shoreline, thanks to beach facilities such as barbecue broils and play zones for kids.

Further inland, check out the moon-like landscapes that are due to the excavation of a clay quarry. Bring a camera because this operating mine offers a desolate yet gorgeous photo op. A visit to the quarry completes a full-day trip from Doha, 53 miles to the east.

Location: Umm Bab, Qatar

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