What are the things to do in Al Wakrah Municipality Qatar?
Al Wakrah (Al Wakra) municipality was established in 1972 (along with other four municipalities) and has a history rooted in pearling and fishing. Bordered by Doha in the north and Al Rayyan in the west, Al Wakrah is the second-largest municipality in terms of area size (2,577.6 sq km) and a population of 299,037 according to the Planning and Statistics Authority 2015 Population distribution and population density by municipality.
Its name is from the Arabic word "wakar," which roughly translates to "bird's nest." This name was given in reference to a hill that accommodated the nests of several birds.
The municipality is home to the UNESCO-recognized natural reserve, Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea) along with many natural and man-made attractions.
So if you haven't explored Al Wakrah yet, we've rounded up some of the top things to see and do in the municipality! Happy exploring!
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How far is Al Wakrah municipality from Doha? From the Pearl monument along the Corniche, you can drive to the boundary of Al Wakrah in approximately 20 minutes via Ras Abu Abboud Expressway.
The distance of the Corniche Pearl Monument to the Pearl monument roundabout at Al Wakrah Old Souq is 21.7 km (approximately 25 minutes drive).
If you're heading to Sealine Beach, it will take you approximately 53 minutes (62.8 km) from the Corniche Pearl monument via G-Ring road, Ras Abu Abboud Expressway, Mesaieed Road, and Sealine Beach road.
Aside from your private vehicle and taxis (including ride-hailing services like Uber, Careem, etc you can take public transportation from Doha to Al Wakrah via the Doha Metro Red Line South. Qatar Rail currently offers free Metrolink buses - M128 and M134 to Al Wakra South Area.
There are also Karwa buses that can take you from Doha to Al Wakrah including the following bus routes: 109 (to Mesaieed); 119 (passes by Al Wakrah Health Center, Ezdan Mall); 129.
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*Please note that due to COVID-19 Phase 3 restrictions, some activities may be closed.
**Prices stated in this guide are as of March 2021. Prices may change without notice.
Opened in 2019, Al Janoub Stadium is the first FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadium to be fully built and ready following the reopening of Khalifa International Stadium. Boasting world-class sustainability credentials, the high-tech facility's design was inspired by traditional dhow boats as it weaves through the Gulf.
The stadium is surrounded by a park that was opened on National Sports Day 2020. There are also different activity zones such as horse riding track, jogging/walking track, bicycle track, children's play areas, exercise nodes, and recreational football field. There are also plenty of parking spaces.
READ MORE: Al Janoub (Wakrah) Stadium: Fan experience review!
Location: Al Janoub Stadium
Located near Souq Al Wakrah, this park will surely brighten your day. Colorful flowers will greet you at the entrance and you'll find more of them inside. The seasonal flowers are beautifully arranged by color, which is a feast for the eyes. The public garden also offers shaded seating areas and a children's play area.
Location: Al Wakrah Public Garden
Get lost in Al Wakrah Old Souq's labyrinthine alleyways until you reach the beach. Although less busy than the more popular Souq Waqif, it's still worth a visit even just to dine in one of the restaurants or coffee shops along the shore. You'll also find old dhow boats on the sand along the beach.
The Souq is divided into different zones and you'll find shops selling items such as dates, honey, nuts, perfumes, vegetables, fruits, fish, spice, handicrafts, marine equipment, and more. Most of the shophouses are empty though which makes it a good spot to take photos.
Location: Al Wakrah Old Souq
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The Souq Al Wakrah Family Beach requires swimmers to adhere to proper swimwear. Not allowed on the beach are pets, smoking, fire, barbeque, camping, photography, children without escort, and swimming is not allowed after sunset.
Location: Souq Al Wakrah Family Beach
You'll also find the famous Pearl Roundabout at Souq Al Wakrah where it was relocated after the Al Wakrah main road was upgraded. The monument was constructed in the 1980s. Its design was inspired by the tranquil coastal nature of Al Wakra city and reflects the pearl diving heritage of the city, according to Ashghal.
Location: The Pearl monument roundabout
Abu Manaratain Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the municipality, is located within the Old Souq. The mosque only has one minaret even though 'Manaratain' means two minarets, according to AFAR.
Location: Abu Manaratain Mosque, Al Wakrah
Sealine Beach, sand dunes, and Inland Sea are some of the most popular weekend destinations in Qatar, especially during winter. You can drive up to the last roundabout of Sealine Beach road (where the road stops) using a sedan but you'd need a 4x4 if you want to explore the dunes.
There's plenty of adventure to be had which includes ATV rides, camel rides, swimming, dune bashing, desert safari, camping, and other activities.
The Game Entertainment offers paintball/laser tag (may not be open as per restrictions), bag jump free drop, and zipline.
You'll drive by the camels on the right side of the road. Camel rides can go for as low as QR 20 (short ride) to QR 100. They also give free gahwa, you can sit in the majlis, and use the toilets if you need to.
Location: Sealine Beach road
The ATV rentals are also found on the right side and there's a whole area dedicated to Quad bike rentals with about 30 shops you can choose from. An ATV/Quad bike ride ranges from QR 50 to QR 1000 depending on the size of the vehicle and the duration of the ride. Prices can be negotiated.
Location: Sealine Beach road
For those looking for more extreme activities, Sky Masters Sports Club offers Paratrike Air Tours from QR 650 per person (20 minutes). They also offer specialized courses for paragliding, paramotor, and paratriking.
Location: Sealine
There's no shortage of sand dunes in the south but one famous spot is called the Singing Sand Dunes. You can walk, slide, or run down the dunes to hear the whistling or humming created by the sand and wind. You would need to use a 4x4 going to this location.
With the municipality taking up the southeastern portion of the country, it's no wonder that there are many beaches you can head to. There's a public beach, a gated beach for families, and even a dog beach.
The Al Wakrah Family Beach has a play area for kids, shaded seating areas, toilet/shower, and plenty of parking. You'll have to walk far to get to the sea especially during low tide. There's security at the entrance where your Ehteraz will be checked. Barbeque is currently not allowed but you can bring your own food and drinks. Don't forget to dispose of your trash properly.
The Al Wakrah Public Beach is just after the Family Beach and is also now fenced. There's ample parking space as well as toilet facilities.
The "Dog Beach" is located just in front of Al Wakrah Public Garden. The water is very shallow which makes it a perfect spot for your furry friends to run. Depending on the tides, you'll also be able to spot a sandbar. It's accessible using a sedan but do take care as you can get stuck in the soft sand.
Looking to buy local produce in bulk and at competitive prices? You can head to Al Wakrah Farmers Yard which is usually open from October to April every year. This is one of the agricultural yards affiliated with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). The yard is open from Thursday to Saturday 7 am to 5 pm.
Location: Al Wakrah Farmers Yard
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Have you been to any of these places? Which municipality do you want to be featured next? Let us know in the comments!
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