Try dune bashing, ride a camel, see unique wild animals and unusual geology and experience exhilaration in the desert of Qatar.
Much of the appeal of Khor Al Udeid Beach is not from the water but from the sands next to the ocean. Huge dunes rising up to 130 feet (40 meters) are beautiful to see and fun to drive across. Sit on a dune near the ocean and watch sea waves brush at the base at high tide. Visit Khor Al Udeid Beach for swimming near the sandy eastern beach and enjoying the unique opportunity to try dune bashing.
A major area highlight, dune bashing involves driving at varying speeds over the dunes, with the sands constantly shifting below your car or buggy. The sport requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle with tire pressure lowered and ideally with rollbars attached for safety. If you aren’t an experienced dune driver, consider joining a tour or hiring a local expert. Dune bashing is harder than it might appear.
Khor Al Udeid Beach is on the Persian Gulf at the point where an inlet lagoon leads to a saltwater tidal sea. Follow the inlet lagoon, which is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and separates this part of Qatar from Saudi Arabia. Unique geology in this region includes sabkha flats, consisting of hard, crystalline salt deposits.
Look for the area’s wildlife. On land, you may see gazelles, with osprey flying overhead. The lagoon often has flamingos, sea turtles and dugongs, which are marine animals similar to manatees.
Bring gear for fishing on the Inland Sea. Try overnight camping here to watch the morning sunrise, a time when wildlife may be most active.
Travel to Khor Al Udeid Beach by car in about 90 minutes from Doha. Many visitors pick up four-wheel-drive vehicles or join dune-bashing tours in Mesaieed beyond here, roads are limited or nonexistent. Stop here for a camel ride before continuing south.
As with other spots outside Qatar’s cities, bring plenty of water. Having a companion car or convoy of dune vehicles is highly advised in case of car problems in the shifting sands and desert heat.
