Natural wonders of Qatar

Posted by Blog Post on June 2nd, 2021

Desert and forests

Oases in Qatar are rare. In the middle of the peninsula, southwest of the capital, there is a desert with salt marshes. The sea of ​​sand is mesmerizing and experiencing, just like the natural sea.

Not far from the city of Al-Khor, the Al-Takir mangrove forests grow - this is a unique ecosystem. Mangroves are trees and shrubs on the water. They have adapted to survive the ebb and flow of the tide.

Mangroves can grow in soil with increased salinity due to the filtration system and without a constant supply of oxygen. The extensive root system is partly underwater and partly over water to obtain oxygen from the air. The high crown prevents the branches from getting wet in the water.

Molluscs live in the roots of mangroves - these are very comfortable conditions for them. Environmentalists in Qatar care about mangrove forests as they are endangered.

Rocks and cave

Rocks of Ras Abruk is a nature reserve. The view of the limestone cliffs is very unusual. They resemble gigantic mushrooms. The wind "worked" as a sculptor for many, many years. You can sometimes find wild deer among the rocks. And from the "mushrooms", a beautiful view of the peninsula opens up.

Dal al-Mesfer cave is another attraction of Qatar. Its depth reaches 40 meters. Gypsum deposits create an exciting glow in the cave. They also formed "desert roses" - individual mineral crystals are connected to each other, forming a cluster in the shape of a flower.

Khor al-Adaid Sea and the Persian Gulf

Since Qatar is located on a peninsula, the sea has become an essential part of the life of the local population. People have always tried to get closer to the water since the central territory of the country is a desert where it is impossible to engage in agriculture. The length of the coast is 560 kilometres.

For many generations of Qataris, the main work was fishing and pearl extraction from the Persian Gulf. Since the 30s of the last century, the volume of harvested pearls has decreased in favour of cultured pearls on unique farms. At the same time, the fishing industry is not losing its popularity.

The Persian Gulf washes the Qatar Peninsula from all sides. Dolphins, dugong, mackerel inhabit it. Tuna, octopuses, shrimps, sardines, lobsters, and crabs are of particular industrial importance. The average depth of the bay is 50 meters. The average water temperature ranges from + 24-28 degrees Celsius. On the Persian Gulf coast, the air humidity is high, and sometimes there are thick fogs.

Khor al-Adaid is considered the inland sea of ​​Qatar. It is located just 60 kilometres southeast of Doha. You can only reach the sea through the desert. The object is under the protection of UNESCO. The reservoir is home to some rare species of fauna, for example, several species of turtles.

Wait, what about the cuisine?

The diet of the people of Qatar is rich in seafood. And there is very little meat in it. There are a lot of vegetables and fruits, legumes, rice. The Qataris are very fond of various spices. The day traditionally starts with light snacks. Breakfast is yoghurts, olives, cheese and coffee. At lunchtime - fish dishes with snacks.

The locals are very fond of a dish called "Varak enab", which is rice in grape leaves. The dessert "Mahalyabiya" is worthy of attention. For its preparation, starch is mixed with milk, after which it is seasoned with cinnamon and pistachios. Bread pudding is also famous among Qataris. It is made from puff pastry, baked in the oven with almonds, raisins and milk.

Don't worry about how to get from destination A to destination B. There are many options for commute including:

•       City buses;
•       Taxis;
•       Car rental services.

Even if you opt for the cheapest rent-a-car in Doha, Qatar, the service provided will be top-notch; that is a guarantee!

Where to taste the national cuisine of Qatar? In hotel restaurants, in city establishments, on the embankment. Taste, but don't forget about the reviews. But You can taste dishes according to ancient recipes in the Bedouin camp. But one should bear in mind that Bedouin dishes have a specific taste since they traditionally combine meat with camel milk and dates.