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Posted On: 12 October 2020 03:00 pm
Updated On: 24 July 2023 12:13 pm

10 unusual places to see in Qatar

Vrinda Abilash
Vrinda Abilash
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Unusual places to see in qatar doha things to do

Qatar is filled with beautiful places to go to, see and enjoy. Did you know that there are some unusual places that you can visit and experience first-hand? This can help you expand your understanding of this beautiful country while also satisfying the explorer in you!

The ILoveQatar (ILQ) team has listed down some of these places you can add to your list of places to explore in Qatar.

Note: Some of these places might not be open to the public at all times and some of these places can be seen via Google Earth as access to them is not possible. Do not litter and dispose of waste properly when you visit!

Al Areesh Fisherman’s Village

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image Credit: www.kaihenrikbarth.com

Al Areesh is a fishing village located in the northwest of Qatar, in the municipality of Al Shamal. It was abandoned once the oil boom in Qatar began. It is one of the largest fishermen's settlements in Qatar, which are now in ruins. These were inhabited during the 1970s, before being completely abandoned.

Today, this village tells a tale of Qatar’s past and gives us a peek into how life was during the time.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ARyvdGNbd2PgiLab7

Domes at Old Airport Road

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Google Earth

Have you come across these unique-looking domes at Old Airport Road? As per sources, they were used as warehouses back in the day. These almost look like survival bunkers, don't you think?! You can still spot them along Old Airport Road, nestled amongst the buildings.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bCKSDjtyeCXMsz6p7

Inland Sea

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Google Earth

Inland Sea is an inlet of the Persian Gulf in the Southeast of Qatar. This is one of the few places in the world where the sea meets the sand or desert. This is also a great place in Qatar to go dune bashing, camel riding and also camping.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/x7PAac67wbK8izv68

Crop Circles in Qatar

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Google Earth

Almost looking alien, these crop circles can be found near Abu Samra Road. The farm nearby uses a circular irrigation system to grow crops and these can be spotted from above via Google Earth. Check them out!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/53ofaK8YoFdpXGMVA

Qatar Maze

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Ashghal Qatar

Did you know there's a maze in the shape of Qatar's map right in the middle of the city? You can find this at 5/6 Park in Doha. The shape of the maze is made to look like a human fingerprint. You can explore this by walking through the maze and finding your way out!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SEkxWM59a9WDgHeV6

Q-Atlantis At The Pearl Island

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Google Earth

Almost resembling the lost city of Atlantis, you can spot a submerged piece of land in Qatar, right next to The Pearl Island. Go check it out right now on Google Earth and see it for yourself!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UnSKWvRWXagWiiwGA

Al Wakrah Dhow Harbor

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Atlas Obscura

This is the perfect spot to see many traditional boats or old dhows lined up at the Al Wakrah Port. Al Wakrah is a beautiful municipality, located next to Doha and only 20 minutes away.

A visit to this location gives you a glance at how the past would have looked like. It looks similar to the fishing and pearling docks of Qatar and this place gives you an opportunity to see the dhows from close proximity. Some of these dhows are still used for fishing.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/s6wQHyEgX17TbtNo9

Musfur Sinkhole

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image credit: Shutterstock

The Musfur Sinkhole is a natural wonder of Qatar. It is a great spot to explore during the daytime. The sinkhole is open to visitors throughout the day, and once you reach there, there are no defined steps to descend into it. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable footwear and clothes for your little adventure. The temperature inside the sinkhole is much lower than what it is outside.

Some points to know about it are that there's no water at the bottom of it, and you might find insects and migratory birds there. The descent is easy but the climb back up is hard. It is better to reach the destination via a 4x4 over a sedan and trust the GPS! Make sure you take your camera and a torchlight for some memorable pictures. Be sure to carry water and snacks as there are no toilet facilities there.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/E9EztL4UNgGPzDB58

Al Jumail Fishing Village

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Al Jumail is derived from the Arabic word 'Jameel' which translates to beautiful. Back in the day, it was an old pearl diving and fishing village in Qatar. The Al Jumail Fishing Village is very close to the Al Zubarah Fort. It is also called a Ghost Town today. You can find ruins of old houses and also a mosque with its minaret still intact. You can find scattered pottery, beads and other remnants from the old times here.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eFctV7RZUVVM5div6

Al Wukair Scrapyard

Unusual places to see in Qatar
Image Credit: Atlas Obscura

This place looks something like a scene from the movies and is filled with thousands of cars, trucks, jeeps, buses and any type of vehicle you can imagine. This is Qatar’s largest scrapyard where all the dumped vehicles in all types of conditions go to. It is located only 33 minutes away from Doha.

According to Atlas Obscura, visitors are not really encouraged to enter the area due to safety reasons. However, sometimes, the guards might take you in and accompany you while exploring the area.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3NS1PmuphRfLYGTH6

Some basic tips to keep in mind while visiting the fishing villages and the sinkhole:

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
  • Wear sunscreen and do not litter anywhere.
  • Be sure to carry water and snacks as there are no shops around.
  • Stay within the designated areas, and do not wander to unknown locations as some of these places are protected.

Here are some other exciting things you can do and see in Qatar:

How many of these places have you visited? Do you know of any more unusual and must-see places in Qatar? Let us know! Do share this article - it keeps us going!

Source: Msheireb Museums, Atlas Obscura