An excursion into Qatar’s magnificent desert is an absolute must for anyone who wants to get to know the country well. Although Qatar is better known for its glitzy, urban capital, the vast majority of the country (more than 95%) is actually made up of desert – rolling dunes, rocky plains and stretching sands. These vast landscapes are enormous fun to explore, and many tour operators combine visits with traditional cultural activities, so tourists can fully immerse themselves in Qatari culture.
There are many different types of desert safaris available in Qatar. Some are focused on the environment, taking in views of the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), or fascinating rock formations. Other action-packed adventures offer the chance to quad bike, ride camels, see falcon displays and experience a Bedouin-style camp and barbecue.
Whether you opt for a luxury overnight glamping trip, or a speedy, budget-friendly half-day tour from Doha, the thrill of driving through these epic, golden desertscapes is bound to be a highlight of your holiday. These are some of the best desert tours in Qatar.
1. Inland Sea adventure
One of the most popular desert tours in Qatar is a trip to the Inland Sea, a UNESCO-recognised nature reserve located near the Saudi border. Also known as Khor Al Adaid, it’s a rare and spectacular saltwater inlet surrounded by sand dunes and accessible only by off-road vehicles.The safari typically kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Doha in a 4x4 and you’ll hit the sweeping sand dunes south of Mesaieed about one hour and twenty minutes later. This is a fantastic spot for dune-bashing, so put your life in the hands of your driver and enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides up and down the steep sandy slopes.
It’s a short drive from here to the edge of the Inland Sea, where you can admire the tremendous landscape as the Arabian Gulf inlet meets the golden dunes. Take your time relaxing, taking in panoramic views, snapping photos or even enjoying a swim if the tides are right. For breathtaking views and cooler temperatures, aim for a late afternoon tour that lets you catch the sunset in this beautiful location.
Qatar International Tours run well-priced half-day safaris to the Inland Sea.
2. Overnight desert safari
If you want to escape the city and truly immerse yourself in the desert, an overnight desert safari in Qatar is a must. These tours typically begin in the afternoon with an adventurous ride across the dunes, followed by activities like camel riding, sandboarding, or traditional falcon demonstrations. As the evening sets in, you'll arrive at a Bedouin-style desert camp for a barbecue dinner and entertainment that usually includes local music and dancing, all set around a campfire. After a relaxing evening, you can soak up the silence of the desert and drift off to sleep under a brightly starlit sky, far from city lights and noise. Make sure to bring an extra layer to wear at night, as even in the hot summer months, desert temperatures can drop quickly after sundown.
Golden Adventures Qatar offers a no-frills overnight camping experience aimed at those on a budget.
3. Desert art and culture excursion
For a completely different kind of desert safari experience, venture to the far less-visited west of the country. A desert safari here takes in cultural hotspots, villages, rock formations and an epic, remote sculpture, as well as endless desert views.
Tours in this part of the country include a visit to the historic Zekreet Village and the famous Mushroom Rock, a naturally eroded limestone formation that resembles a giant mushroom sprouting from the sand. More fascinating rock formations can be viewed throughout the Ras Abrouq landscape.One of the tour’s undoubted highlights is East-West/West-East, the inspiring art installation by sculptor Richard Serra. Spanning more than 1km, it’s located in the Brouq Nature Reserve and is composed of four monolithic steel plates that interact with the landscape, sky, and light. Finish up the tour with a traditional Keshta picnic, a Bedouin-style setup where you can sit back on cushions, sip tea, snack and enjoy the tranquility of the desert.
365 Adventures Qatar offers a western desert tour that takes half a day.
4. Adrenaline sand sports tour
One the biggest draws of Qatar’s safaris is the chance to try some high-octane desert sports. The sands outside Doha are a spectacular playground for those who want to scramble up and down the dunes, try out sandboarding, career around on a high-powered quad bike, or just hold on tight as a driver takes you for a spin around the slopes. These kinds of tours are perfect for thrill-seekers, sporty types and high-energy older kids and teens that love a new challenge.
Many tours include one or more of these activities in their standard safari packages, or operators can arrange adventure sports as an add-on, providing ATVs and sandboards. Guides can give safety training, basic instructions and top tips if it’s your first time having a go at any of these activities. Sunglasses and a face covering (like a keffiyeh or scarf) are a must to protect yourself from flying sand if you plan to be travelling at speed down the dunes.
Falcon Tours Qatar offers a tour that includes dune bashing, quad biking and sandboarding.
5. Luxury desert glamping
For travellers who want to experience the desert in lavish style, glamping in the Qatari desert is the answer. High-end desert camps about an hour’s drive outside of Doha offer beautifully furnished tents, private bathrooms and gourmet dining as well as all the usual desert activities. The cost is significantly higher, but you do get a more polished and comfortable experience for your money.Dune tours, camel riding, falcon shows, bonfires and beach buggies are still all part of the experience here, but there are extras such as desert paragliding and air safaris offered. Plus, after a day’s action, you can retreat back to a blissfully elegant tent with clean white linens, wifi and air conditioning. It’s a great choice for anyone on a honeymoon, special occasion trip or who just wants their adventures with a side of luxury.
Regency Sealine Camp offers tents, rooms and suites and desert activities.
