Day Trips

The capital of Qatar, Doha, offers many wonderful things to do inside the city limits. Sometimes, however, you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. That's the perfect time to plan a day trip to one of the many exotic locations and activities nearby. From riding through the sand dunes to visiting the Doha Zoo and seeing the rare Oryx, there are many attractions to be found away from the capital city itself.

Sand Dunes

One of the biggest diversions the Arabian peninsula has to offer is, you guessed it, sand. You can book tours of the sand dunes through many tour companies that range in duration from half a day to overnight. Longer tours typically come with food and drinks included, and most will pick you up directly from your hotel. Vehicles are driven by professional 4X4 drivers, making for an exciting trip into the desert.

Qatari Fishing Expedition

To see the sights of the bay, you can book a sight-seeing tour or a fishing trip aboard a dhow. This traditional Qatari fishing boat is am important part of the history of Doha, which began as a village devoted to fishing and the trade in pearls. Rates for tours on board a dhow are reasonable, but make sure to agree on a price before you get in the boat.

The Doha Zoo

Located about 20 km outside of the city, the Doha Zoo makes for a great day trip, particularly for families. Spread out over 42 acres, the Zoo boasts more than 1500 animals, including the Oryx. The national animal of Qatar, the Oryx became extinct in the wild in 1972, although recent efforts to reintroduce it have had some success. For the kids, the Doha Zoo also features a mini-amusement park, and is a great way to spend a day.

Al Wakra

About five miles south of Doha's outskirts, the town of Al Wakra is a seaside community that still revolves around the fishing and pearls that used to be the staple economic resource of the region. A quieter, more peaceful place to visit than the capital itself, Al Wakra presents a window into the past of Qatar. Featuring a beautiful beach and a museum devoted primarily to the history of traditional fishing and pearl diving in Qatar, Al Wakra is a great place to spend a day away from the city.