Al Daayen municipality is the seventh municipality to be established in Qatar and was created in 2014. It is located in the east of the Umm Qarn area on the coastal road near the bridge of Simaisma. It's bordered by Al Khor in the north, Doha in the south and Umm Salal in the west. Al Daayen is derived from the Arabic word "dhaayen" which roughly translates to travel.

Al Daayen is the second smallest municipality out of the 8 municipalities. The municipality has an area of 290.2 sq. km. with a population of 54,339 according to the Planning and Statistics Authority 2015 Population distribution and population density by the municipality.

So if you haven't explored Al Daayen yet, we've rounded up some of the top things to see and do in the municipality! Happy exploring!

Disclaimer: Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, some of the places mentioned might be closed. In addition:

• A maximum of (5) people can gather together in open spaces, including those who have completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Play areas in parks, other entertainment activities and areas are closed till further notice.
  
• Dine-in in restaurants and cafes is suspended.
• Gatherings or sitting are not allowed in public parks, beaches, and the corniche.
• Individual sports such as walking, jogging and cycling are allowed, while still closing playgrounds and sports equipment in those places.

Distance from Doha

How far is Al Daayen municipality from Doha? From the Pearl monument along the Corniche, you can drive to the boundary of Al Daayen in approximately 20 minutes via Corniche street heading to Doha Expressway.

The distance of the Corniche Pearl Monument to Doha Festival City is 17 km (approximately 21 minutes drive).

Places to visit in Al Daayen Municipality

Al Sakhama Park

One of the newer parks in Qatar, Al Sakhama Park was opened in November 2020. The park has palm trees, green spaces, a cafeteria, gazebos, a plaza, and play areas. The total area of the park measures 2,240 square meters.

Location: Al Sakhama Park

READ MORE: Ministry of Municipality and Environment inaugurates Al Sakhama Park and Lusail Valley Park in Al Daayen Municipality

Lusail Valley Park (Wadi Lusail Park)

Also opened in November 2020, Wadi Lusail Park has a football field and a basketball court in addition to green areas, palm trees, play areas, cafeteria, and sitting areas. The park measures 8,370 square meters in total.

Location: Wadi Lusail Park

Simaisma Beach

• Simaisma Family Beach

One of the popular family beaches in Qatar, Simaisma family beach has toilets, wooden gazebos, and play areas. The water is quite shallow especially during morning time (low tide), so if you're planning to go swimming, you have to walk a bit to reach deeper waters. You don't need 4x4 to reach this beach.

Location: Simaisma family beach

• Simaisma ladies beach

Inside the gated beach is an area allocated for the ladies, located north of the family beach. This beach requires QR 50 entrance fee per car.

Location: Simaisma ladies beach

• Simaisma, A Murwab Resort

Aside from the family beach and the gated ladies' beach, there's also a 5-star resort - Simaisma, A Murwab Resort. There are 52 luxurious villas inside the resort, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

Location: Simaisma, A Murwab Resort

Simaisma Park

Apart from trees, green areas, sitting areas, Simaisma Park has a children's playground, sports equipment, and toilets. The family park opens at 6 am in the morning.

Location: Simaisma Park

Lusail Shooting Club

Have you ever tried clay shooting or clay pigeon shooting? If you’re also interested in trying, head to the Al Ramii Sports Club inside Lusail Shooting Club to try air rifle shooting or clay pigeon shooting. There's also an archery range inside Lusail Shooting Club for archery enthusiasts.

• Prices: Shotgun QR 100 (includes 25 bullets); Rifle QR 50 (include 25 bullets)
  
• Contact: +974 6690 1602; +974 4495 3102
• Location: Lusail Shooting Club

Losail Circuit Sports Club

Losail Circuit Sports Club is one of the best race tracks in the Middle East. It’s where you’ll find the Losail International Circuit, the track used for world-class events such as MotoGP and WorldSBK.

There's also an off-road track for 4x4 vehicles and you'll also find the Lusail Go Karting Circuit here. There are karting tracks for adults and for kids. Adults Price: QR 125 per 15 minutes session (with mask included).

Find more information here: https://www.circuitlosail.com/

Locations:

• Losail Circuit Sports Club
• Losail Go Karting Circuit

Doha Festival City and IKEA Qatar

Doha Festival City (DFC) is one of the largest shopping malls in Qatar. DFC houses hundreds of international and local brands as well as the country's first VOX Cinemas. The destination is also home to the country’s only IKEA, which has been trading since 2013.

You’ll also find Qatar’s only IKEA store and Ace Hardware located beside DFC.

Location: Doha Festival City and IKEA

Where to eat in Al Daayen

Aside from the seemingly endless dining options in Doha Festival City, these are some of the food and beverage options in Al Daayen municipality:

IKEA Restaurant

• Cuisine: International
  
• Recommended dishes/beverages: Swedish meatballs, Salmon fillet, Pizza
  
• Location: IKEA Qatar
  
• Tel: +974 4406 2555

Lean N Fit

• Cuisine: Healthy
  
• Recommended dishes/beverages: Acai berry bowls, Poke bowls, salads, Ice cream, smoothies
  
• Location: Street 245, Leabaib
  
• Tel: +974 4435 6642

La Pasta & Pizzeria

• Cuisine: Italian
  
• Recommended dishes/beverages: Saffron Pasta, Pesto Pizza, Caprese Salad, La Pasta Special Fries
  
• Location: Al Nuaim St, Leabaib
  
• Tel: +974 44770774

Ghanima Cafe

• Cuisine: Arabic
  
• Recommended dishes/beverages: Hab Al sadd, Ghanima beans, Fantastic Four, Coffee Al kayf, Ghanima Tea
  
• Location: 02 Mall
  
• Tel: +974 4418 5427

Biryani Express

• Cuisine: South Asian
  
• Recommended dishes/beverages: Biryani, Lahori Chargha, Lahori BBQ, Paratha
  
• Location: 02 Mall
  
• Tel: +974 4444 0037, 3390 0076

Watch this #ILQRoadtrip video to help you plan your trip to Al Daayen:

Want to find out more about Qatar's 8 municipalities?

• Plan your Al Khor itinerary: Al Khor and Al Thakira Municipality Guide
• Plan your Al Wakrah itinerary: Al Wakrah Municipality Guide
• Plan your Al Rayyan itinerary: Al Rayyan Municipality Guide
• Plan your Al Shahaniya itinerary: Al Shahaniya Municipality Guide
• Plan your Al Shamal itinerary: Al Shamal Municipality Guide
• Check out this article: A guide to Qatar's 8 municipalities!
  
• Watch this QTip!: All about the 8 municipalities in Qatar

Have you been to Al Daayen Municipality? What are some of your favorite places there? Do let us know in our comments. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!

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