The 10 Best Public Beaches in Qatar: A Chic Escape by the Sea
With its glimmering Arabian Gulf coastline and year-round sunshine, Qatar is as much about the sand and surf as it is about its glittering skyline. Whether you’re seeking untouched beauty, family-friendly amenities, or turquoise shallows perfect for a languid dip, these public beaches offer the ideal blend of chic escapism and authentic coastal charm. Here, The 10 Best takes you on a tour of Qatar’s most irresistible stretches of sand.
Katara Beach
A cultural haven with a touch of glamour, Katara Beach is set within the Katara Cultural Village. Families flock here for kayaking and parasailing, while sun-seekers love its powdery sands and calm waters. It’s a favourite for those who want to combine beach days with a dose of art, theatre and fine dining nearby.
Simaisma Beach
Just 30 minutes north of Doha, Simaisma Beach is the definition of serenity. Shallow waters make it perfect for children, while picnicking under palm-shaded huts adds a touch of laid-back luxury. It’s a place to unwind in peace, yet close enough to the city for a stylish day trip.
Al Wakra Beach
Fringed by mangroves and traditional fishing villages, Al Wakra Beach is a postcard from old Qatar. Its expansive sandy stretch is ideal for kite flying and barbecues at sunset. After a swim, wander into the heritage souq nearby for an evening meal overlooking the water.
Sealine Beach
Where the desert meets the sea, Sealine Beach is a quintessential Qatari experience. Rugged 4x4 dunes frame this pristine coastline, making it a perfect pit stop after a dune-bashing adventure. By dusk, the golden sands and cerulean waters take on a cinematic glow.
Fuwairit Beach
Beloved by kite surfers and nature enthusiasts, Fuwairit is one of Qatar’s most famous beaches. Its powdery white sands and clear shallows attract nesting hawksbill turtles (seasonally protected), making it as enchanting as it is beautiful.
Umm Bab Beach
Known fondly as the “Palm Tree Beach” thanks to its photogenic clusters of palms, Umm Bab is a favourite for campers. Its peaceful atmosphere and open views of the Gulf make it the ideal spot to set up a tent and stargaze into the night.
Al Thakhira Beach
This beach is a gateway to Al Thakhira’s famed mangroves. Kayakers can paddle through the labyrinth of greenery before lounging on the beach with a picnic. It’s a quiet natural escape just beyond Al Khor’s town bustle.
Dukhan Beach
On Qatar’s west coast, Dukhan Beach is famed for its gentle waves and inviting waters. Its golden sands stretch endlessly, perfect for long walks, beach sports, or simply basking in uninterrupted sunshine far from the city.
Maroona Beach
Small but strikingly pretty, Maroona Beach is a local secret on Qatar’s northern coastline. Soft sand, shallow emerald waters, and minimal crowds make it the epitome of barefoot luxury for those seeking tranquillity.
Zekreet Beach
Close to the desert art installations of Richard Serra, Zekreet Beach pairs natural beauty with cultural intrigue. Surrounded by dramatic limestone escarpments, it’s a beach like no other—raw, wild, and utterly photogenic.
The Verdict
Qatar’s public beaches are a sublime mix of easy accessibility and untouched natural splendour. From family-friendly playgrounds to remote coastal escapes, each one offers its own narrative of the Arabian Gulf. Whether you’re kite surfing in Fuwairit, exploring mangroves at Al Thakhira, or unwinding beneath palm trees at Umm Bab, these sun-kissed stretches of sand showcase a quieter, more soulful side of Qatar.
