City in Al Khor Municipality, Qatar
Photo: Still ePsiLoN, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Perched on the eastern coast of the Qatari peninsula, Al-Khor (alternatively, Al Khawr; Arabic: الخور) is a major settlement just north of Doha. The city is far older than Doha, but much smaller (the population is roughly 31,000). It used to be the center of the now non-existent pearl trading industry, so now the city is undergoing renovation.
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This quaint museum overlooking the seafront provides good views over the harbor from the second floor. It showcases archaeological artifacts from the Al Khor region dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, as well as specimens of local marine life. An additional exhibit illustrates the legend of Ghilan and Mae, one of whom was the region's first female pirate and believed to be from Al Khor.
Traditional dhows are still used for fishing here, although their sails have long since been replaced by diesel engines.
This is a good place to pick up fresh seafood from the day's catch.
This is the birthplace of Sheikha Mozah (the second wife of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar). Although the house has not been maintained, it is a good example of traditional Qatari architecture. It is closed to the public, but can be viewed from the outside.
This defensive watchtower was built in 1900 and is now fully restored. It is located in a small park with a pleasant view overlooking the Corniche and the beach. There is a second watchtower along the North Road.
Jazirat bin Ghanim, or Al Khor Island
This small island, linked to the mainland via an earthen walkway through the mangroves, has seen human activity for the past 6000 years. The name comes from a purple dye from shellfish which were harvested here 3000 years ago. There are a number of archaeological sites on the islands, as well as old shell middens. This is also a good place for birdwatching and crabbing.
Built in 1938 using traditional materials of coral, rock, and sun-baked mud. Non-Muslim visitors are advised to refrain from entering, but can freely view the building from the outside.
An annual light aircraft show which takes place on a 3-day weekend in mid-January. The event is hosted by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, and is popular with aviation enthusiasts as well as families.
Thakira
This fishing village is now a bedroom community of Al Khor, and its extensive mangrove swamps are particularly good for bird watching. Discover Arabia (based in Doha, tel: +974 3023 3207, e-mail: info@discoverarabia.today) runs sea kayak tours of the area.
Farkeh Coast / Al Khor Family Beach
A public beach with shaded picnic benches, toilets and shower facilities, barbecue stands, and children playgrounds.
The gardens are now open after 4 years of renovation.
Offers decent burgers and a soft drink for a very cheap QR 3.
Popular with Filipino expats.
Buffet dining in the hotel lobby.
A beachfront restaurant, serving Italian-style dinner only.
The mall has a standard food court as well as several restaurants, including Chilli's (American), Royal Tandoor (Indian), and Shatter Abbas (Middle Eastern).
A decent-sized grocery store in a strip mall.
A full-sized hypermarket with a good deli selection.
Medium-sized supermarket.
A medium-sized, five-star hotel with private beach, swimming pool, jacuzzi and fitness center. The facilities are accessible to day visitors for a fee. Two unlicensed restaurants are also onsite.
A good beach with very shallow sea, popular for camping.
This mall opened in 2012, and has a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a Lulu Hypermarket.
The Route 102 and 102x buses (timetable) towards Al Thakhira and Al Khor Community respectively service the town. Both depart from Al Ghanim Bus Station in Doha, with a bus every half an hour or so.
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