After three months of lockdown, Qatar’s government reopened parks, beaches, and the corniche with limited capacity on July 1st as part of the second phase of easing restrictions.

With travel not really an option, many families in Qatar are opting to stay in the country this summer to avoid costly quarantine hotel packages that are mandatory upon return, with the exception of those flying back from Turkey.

So instead of going too far, what are some fun things you can do in Qatar without boarding an airplane?

1. Jebel Fuwairit beach

Jebel Fuwairit beach is only a few hundred meters north of the popular Fuwairit Beach.

Even on weekends, it is less crowded than Fuwairit beach, which makes it a relatively safer alternative for social distancing. It offers dramatic rock formations, beautiful clear water and is a hotspot for local rock climbers.

Activities:

• Swimming
• Snorkelling
• Rock-climbing
• Hiking

Best times to visit:
An optimal time to visit is during the day so long as the temperatures don’t exceed 35°C , but there are rocks which will provide some shade. If you’re going on the weekend, either go early morning, later in the afternoon or evening. If you want to snorkel or swim, it is recommended to visit during high tide.

Facilities:
There are no shops or shaded facilities, so bring sufficient water and head-covers.

2. Zekreet

On Qatar’s western coastlines, Zekreet is a peninsula with a fort, art installation, beach, and environmental reserve. It is also a popular spot for weekend campers, rock climbers and water sport enthusiasts. You may stumble upon desert mushrooms, rocky cliffs, and sand dunes.

Activities:

• Head farther north to an art installation, East-West/West-East by American artist Richard Serra
• Explore the Film City at Zektreet, an artificial city built for an Arabic TV series. Close by is another site called Mystery Village, used in the same TV series
• Visit the Zekreet Fort; there’s no admission fee
• Camp and BBQ along the seashore or under the acacia trees
• Rock-climbing

Best times to visit:
The best time to visit is either early morning or after sunset to avoid high temperature. Stars may be visible at night.

Facilities:
There are no facilities or shops nearby.
Driving to Zekreet with a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.

3. Singing Sand Dunes

Qatar’s Singing Sand Dunes are located approximately 40km southwest of Doha. The dunes create a magical “singing” sound created by the friction when walking, running or sliding down the dune. The area is popular as a day destination for families.

Activities:

• Hike up along the gently rising ridge
• Admire the shapes of the sand dunes which the wind keeps changing
• Take stunning sunrise or sunset photos
• A picnic or BBQ

Best times to visit:
The best time to visit is on a windy day because the wind will help you push the sand away. On a rare occasion of rain in summer, the sand can get very hot after rain and the dunes will not “sing.” Allow the sand to dry, which can take up to two weeks.

Facilities:
There are no restrooms or shaded facilities and no close-by petrol station or food stores. Make sure to fuel up before you go and bring plenty of water and a power bank for your phone.

4. Purple Island

The Purple Island, in Al Khor, is surrounded by Mangroves and suitable for family outings. It was given its name because about 3,000 years ago, people used to make purple dye from the murex snails. The name is also inspired by the many purple flowers on the island.

You can see mangroves, saltwater creeks, flamingos, small beaches, crabs, fireflies, flowers, shells, fossils, limestone rock formations, and historical areas that contain views of tidal fish traps which present traditional fishing methods.

Activities:

• Water sports: kayaking, rock climbing and hiking
• Taste salty plants as some edible plants grow among mangroves
• Look at creatures found in the creeks: glass strip, mud crabs, snails, barnacles, and sea squirts

Best times to visit:
It is recommended to visit in the hours before, during or shortly after high tide.

Facilities:
You can rent kayaks, paddles, and safety jackets from local tourism agencies, but you should book in advance.
You can go there with a normal car, no 4×4 or SUV required.
There used to be a causeway leading to the island, but it has been dismantled. To reach the island, you may have to wade through knee-deep water and mud.

5. Al Jumail

In Qatar’s north, Al Jumail is a 19th century pearling and fishing village abandoned before Qatar’s economic boom brought by the oil and gas industry.

There are remains of traditional houses, a mosque and minaret standing among the sand. This so-called ‘ghost town’ was inhabited well into the 20th century, before people moved into the metropolis.

Al Jumail is currently fenced off from the public as an archaeological site, but you can still drive up close to the ruins and get a clear view.

Activity:
Take pictures at Qatar’s heritage site

Sources: Offbeat Qatar, Expedia, Atlas Obscura, Online Qatar