Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)
خور العديد
A rare landscape where dunes meet the sea directly; a UNESCO-listed nature reserve and a hub for dune bashing and desert camps.
Khor Al Adaid lies at Qatar's southeastern tip, bordering Saudi Arabia. It is a bay that reaches deep into the desert interior, surrounded by towering crescent dunes, and it is one of the few places in the world where seawater penetrates the heart of a desert. UNESCO has listed it as a nature reserve. There is no road access; you must cross the rolling dunes in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Typically it takes about 1 hour from Doha to reach Sealine Beach, where the tyres are deflated and the dune bashing begins. About 40 minutes later you arrive at the shore of Khor Al Adaid, where you can swim, watch the Saudi dunes across the water, ride camels or go sandboarding, and watch the sunset in the evening. Many tours include a desert camp barbecue and an overnight stay. Half-day tours cost about QAR 250 to 400 per person. Choose a reputable licensed operator and confirm that the vehicle has a roll cage and seatbelts. Notes: dune bashing is very bumpy, so pregnant women, people with back problems and those prone to motion sickness should think twice. Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. Do not drive into the dunes on your own, as it is easy to get stuck or lost.
Opening hours
Open all day (half-day tours or overnight trips available)
Nearby sights
- Souq Al Wakrah
- Aspire Park & The Torch Doha
- Villaggio Mall
- 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
- Msheireb Downtown Doha & Msheireb Museums
- Souq Waqif
- Doha Corniche