Khor Al Adaid is a unique and breathtaking destination in Qatar. Also called 'Inland Sea', this must-visit place is a haven of tranquillity, serenity and relaxation. It has been designated as a nature reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Qatar is seeking to include it as a natural World Heritage site. This area is in the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and as per the website is, "a remarkable landscape formed by a globally unique combination of geological and geomorphological features".
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is here to tell you why you should be visiting this pristine destination soon and what to look forward to during your visit.
Khor Al Adaid is one of the few places in the world where the sand dunes meet the sea. The waters of the sea rush towards the desert, forming what is known as the Inland Sea, a tidal embayment. The turquoise blue waters recede as the day progresses, turning the beach barren again.
This tidal process brings a variety of fish, crustaceans and turtles from the sea. During the bird season, one can also spot various migratory birds, like ospreys, cormorants and pink flamingos, gathering here. The sand dunes here are about 40 meters high, and the area is home to many native animals like desert foxes, antelopes, gazelles and oryx.
Did you know you can spot Saudi Arabia from across the embayment?
There are many things to do at Khor Al Adaid, and it is a popular place to visit not only by the locals but also by tourists. If you're a lover of adventure, dune bashing at the sand dunes in a 4x4 or on an ATV can give you that much-needed thrill.
During the winter months, it is a hub for overnight camping in caravans along the sea. If you're new to the country and are going with a tour guide, these adventures also include camel riding, holding a falcon, overnight stays, swimming in the sea, and having breakfast in the morning.
When you visit, don't miss the spectacle of the blue waters and the golden sand at Khor Al Adaid and have a great time!
RELATED: Overnight beach camping spots in Qatar
Khor Al Adaid is located in the southeast part of Qatar, where the sand dunes meet the sea. It stretches over around 1,833 square kilometres.
Driving there in a 4x4 is the best way to go, and many tour operators also take you there. If you wish to do the dune-bashing adventure on your own, ensure the driver is experienced in off-roading, as it can be quite dangerous to drive on the sand, and the pathway can be unpredictable sometimes.
Tour operators give you complete packages, with half-day, full-day and overnight trip options to Khor Al Adaid, with camel riding, dune bashing, photos with falcons, sand boarding, etc. The packages may vary from one tour operator to another, and the prices depend on the number of individuals for the trip. This is definitely something you should consider doing during your trip to Qatar!
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Source: QNA, UNESCO World Heritage Center
Have you been to Khor Al Adaid? If you have, would you go there again? If you haven't, why don't you plan a trip to this mesmerizing Qatar landmark? Do share this article - it keeps us going!
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