Not many know about the islands around Qatar's coast, both natural and man-made. Some of these islands are uninhabited while some islands can be easily visited by tourists and offer a variety of activities. Scroll down to learn more about several of the natural and man-made islands in Qatar!
RELATED: Check out these boats and yacht rental services in Qatar.
An uninhabited low-lying island near The Pearl, Al Aaliya (Alia Island) covers an area of nearly 2 kilometers and is frequented by different species of birds such as gulls and flamingos, as well as desert hares. Fishing is one of the popular activities on this island with a rocky coastline.
Jazirat as Safliya off the coast of Doha and located south of Al Aaliya Island is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. It can be easily reached by dhow boat from the Corniche or by speed boats from The Pearl Marina. The manta ray-shaped island doesn't have any facilities though save for a few pergolas and wooden umbrellas so you have to bring your own provisions.
Read here to know more about Al Safliya Island!
The five-star Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is 30 minutes away from Doha via a luxury catamaran from Al Shyoukh Terminal along the Corniche. Its water villas, reminiscent of Maldives, is one of its popular features along with pool view and sea view rooms, surf pool, family entertainment center, and wellness center. Other activities in the 13-hectare exclusive island include a variety of water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and diving.
Click here to see the location in Google Maps.
The easternmost island of Qatar is operated by Qatar Petroleum as a crude oil export terminal for oil produced from the surrounding offshore fields. Before the discovery of oil, the hilly Jazirat Halul was a shelter and resting area for fishermen, sailors, and pearl divers. Aside from QP employees, the Qatar Emiri Navy and Coast Guard also have their bases on the island. As for wildlife, Halul Island is home to mountain goats and different species of birds including seabirds as well as hawksbill turtles. It's also surrounded by coral reefs teeming with shoals of coral fish.
Click here to see the location in Google Maps.
Consisting of three flat-topped islets located in the southeastern side of Qatar, Jazirat al Ashat is bordered with cliffs and detached rocks.
Click here to see the location in Google Maps. Check using satellite view.
Used to be a well-loved tourist and family destination, the only thing left of Palm Tree Island now is a lone tree. 13 years ago, it was believed that the facilities on the island were demolished to make way for new development. The island is in the middle of Doha Bay.
Located in the municipality of Al Khor on the northeast coast of Qatar - the island is also known as Jazirat bin Ghanim or Al Khor Island. Despite its name, Purple Island is surprisingly green and a perfect destination for nature lovers where you will appreciate spotting fish, crabs, plants and blooms, fossils, and wildlife as you take a stroll along the salt marshes.
Click here to see the location in Google Maps.
Read here to learn more about Purple Island and to see more beautiful pictures of the island!
Jazirat Ra's Rakan is located on the northernmost side of Qatar. It's a small T-shaped uninhabited island with a small mangrove area on its southern part. It's about 2 kilometers off the northern coast of the country.
Shura Awa island is a small island located 76 kilometers east of mainland Qatar made up of rocky hills with crags and slopes and a good cover of salt-tolerant bushes. It's frequented by different species of migratory sea birds, wild rabbits, and turtles.
Find more about Shura Awa Island here!
Click here to see the location in Google Maps. Check using satellite view.
Off the coast of Doha's West Bay is The Pearl, a world-class mixed-use urban development project sitting on 4,000,000 sqm of reclaimed land. True to its name, it was built to look like a string of pearls, in recognition of Qatar's pearling past. The luxury residential island complex boasts of shopping areas, a marina, 5-star hotel, a circular lagoon, beaches, Venice-inspired canals, dining, and entertainment areas for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Click here to see the location in Google Maps.
Umm Tais is one of the hidden national treasures of Qatar. It is located in the northeast part of the country and remains uninhabited. Qatar Natural History Group and Desert ecologist Dr. Aspa D. Chatziefthimiou used to hold tours to the island to explore the mangroves, sabkhas, microbes, and wildlife. Umm Tais is close to Al Mafjar Beach.
References: Qatar Petroleum; Mourjan Marinas; Qatar Natural History Group
Have you been to any of these islands in Qatar? Do you know of more lesser-known islands that we haven't mentioned in this post? Let us know in the comments!
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