Have you heard of the Al Shahaniya Municipality which is located in the west part of the Qatar? It was split off in 2014 from Al Rayyan municipality as the former was a part of later. Its name came from a plant called ‘sheeh’ which has anti-inflammatory effects. According to the Planning and Statistics Authority 2015 Population distribution and population density by municipality, it is the largest municipality with a population of 187,571. Al Shahaniya Municipality is very popular for the camel races and Oryx breeding. We have put together a list here to guide you what all you can see and do here.
East-West/West-East by Richard Serra
This art installation consists of four steel plates and spanning over a kilometre. According to the artist, “the art installation depicts how the social, political, and economic environment is desert-like. There is nothing in Zekreet, no society, no politics, and no economy, and just like the phrase global village, the art sculpture shows you, the viewer, how you are living in a global desert.”
Location: East-West/West-East by Richard Serra
Zekreet Rock Formations
Located about 7 km away from the art installation, there are the Zekreet Rock Formations. A favourite place for astrophotographers, these structures look like mushroom.
Location: Zekreet Rock Formations
Musfur Sinkhole
The Musfur Sinkhole is 16 feet deep and has an opening of about 40 feet. It is a great spot for visitors to explore during the day. One thing you need to note that there are no toilets and resting facilities here.
Location: Mufsur Sinkhole
Shahaniya Camel Race Tracks
There are scores of camel race tracks here at this place. This is definitely a worth seeing site on the race days. So add it in your bucket list.
Location: Shahaniya Camel Race Tracks
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Consisting over 30,000 objects and artefacts on display, this heritage museum is one of the world’s largest private museums. You can find breath-taking collection of carpets, coins and over 600 cars here.
Location: Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
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Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve
The Dosari Family belongs to this private zoo where you can see many animals and birds like the Ostriches, Emus, Camels, Oryx and many more! If you are looking for a nice outing then this is a perfect place. The closing time for zoo is 7 pm and the ticket prize is QR 10 per person.
Location: Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve
Zekreet Fort
Do you want to have the glimpse of how life would have been like back in the days? Visit Zekreet Fort for this unique experience. This fort was made in the 18th or early 19th century with a unique design. This fort was built twice as initially there were no towers at the corners. While visiting, please be aware and responsible.
Location: Zekreet Fort
Zekreet Beach
Located at 45-50 away from the city of Doha, Zekreet Beach is quite rockier than other beaches in Qatar. Zekreet Beach is perfect for camping and barbecues with friends and family.
Location: Zekreet Beach
Umm Bab Beach
Due to having small clusters of palm trees all around, Umm Bab Beach is also called “Palm Tree Beach. You can enjoy in calm and clear water here but be careful of the sharp rocks. There are also herds of camels around this beach but please do not try to disturb the animals.
Location: Umm Bab Beach
Dukhan Public Beach
Being one of the most popular public beaches in the west of Qatar, Dukhan Public Beach is ideal spot for people who want to spend some peaceful time away from the city. The soft white sand and clear water will give you the perfect time to relax yourself. You can also do barbecue here.
Location: Dukhan Public Beach
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Where to eat in Al Shahaniya
You can find many dining options at Dukhan Souq, a shopping mall located in Dukhan. Some of the options that are currently opened are:
- Dukhan Beach Restaurant
- Eat Time
- Jaal Restaurant
- Jawaher Palace Restaurant
There are also fast food places like Domino’s, McDonald’s and KFC too!
Location: Dukhan Souq
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