1Go birdwatching

Khor Al-Udaid, the Inland Sea is a UNESCO-recognised nature reserve, a bright blue bay surrounded by white sand dunes Formerly a pirate stronghold (yes, really) and now a birdwatcher’s paradise. Grab your binoculars and look for ospreys, black-headed gulls, greater hoopoe-larks, and flamingos.

Al Irakhiya grass farm (sometimes referred to as Al Rakaya Farm) has amassed a cult online following as possibly the best place to spot birds. Affectionately described as “a glowing emerald” in the midst of the desert, the grass farm sits on a reservoir, away from grazing animals making it a haven for plants to flourish, attracting over 250 different species of birds. Barn owls, bluethroats, blue-cheeked bee-eaters and brahminy starlings, to name but a few.

2See Qatar’s national animal at the Al Maha Sanctuary

The Oryx is one of Qatar's biggest icons. Just take a trip down to the Corniche and have a look at Orry the Oryx, the towering mascot for the 2006 Asian Games. But just 50 years ago, the Arabian Oryx was almost extinct.

Luckily, today around 3,000 to 3,500 Arabian oryxes are under the care of wildlife conservationists in Al Maha Sanctuary. The sanctuary is working on reintroducing the oryx to the wild. Standing at nearly a meter tall with striking straight horns and milky white fur, the oryx is a symbol of resilience.

Al Maha Sanctuary is the only breeding centre in the country and works with Al Mashabiya Reserve to be an active part of an international conservation plan, Operation Oryx, to return these elegant antelopes to their natural Qatari desert habitat.

3Dive alongside dugongs in the Arabian Gulf

Dugongs are named after the Malay word for mermaid, also known as sea cows. Qatar hosts the second-largest population of Dugongs in the world. This bulbous mammal is celebrated in the local art scene; watch out for Dugong Family by Ahmed Al Bahrani at Al Ruwais Beach.

As the only herbivorous marine mammal, dugongs thrive in Qatar’s warm waters, grazing peacefully on seagrass. From March to September, lucky visitors can dive alongside these gentle giants, experiencing a mesmerising underwater encounter unlike any other. Dugongs offer a truly unique experience, one that immerses you in Qatar’s rich marine life as you dive alongside them beside local shipwrecks and reefs.

4Witness falconry traditions at Souq Waqif

Falconry is a cultural sport and tradition that spans centuries. This is emboldened by the number of falcons you can see perched on locals arms in public spaces, especially in Souq Waqif, home to the Falcon Hospital. Falcon handlers bring their birds in during the off-season to make sure they get the best care.

A visit here offers an intimate glimpse into Qatar’s Bedouin history, where falconry began as a vital desert survival skill. If you're lucky enough to meet a falcon owner, they might even let you handle their bird. These days, falconry is an art form, with lively auctions happening at the S'hail festival in Katara each year, where some are sold for upwards of a million USD.

5See flamingos at the Al Thakira Mangroves

One of the only remaining mangroves in the region, Al Thakira, is home to Qatar’s rich ecosystem. Protecting the shorelines along the north-east of the country, the mangroves are home to much of Qatar’s wildlife.

You can spot little fish and crabs flitting along salt-crusted tree roots as you kayak across the wetlands. If you come during November to April, you might even spot some bright pink flamingos, as Qatar is on the migratory route from Europe and Siberia to Africa.

Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding here brings you up close to this thriving ecosystem, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Qatar’s natural beauty.

6Understand the importance of Arabian horses

For centuries, the Arabian horse has held a sacred place in Qatari and Bedouin culture. Known for its distinctive “jibbah,” or rounded forehead, this feature was once believed to carry Allah’s blessing. When the Arabian horse first appeared in the vast desert nearly 400 years ago, they were heralded as a gift from God and used as a tool to get by in the harsh environment. In fact, the speed and stamina of the Arabian horses were instrumental in Qatar’s fight for independence against the Ottomans, the Battle of Al Shaqab.

This legacy endures at Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, where Arabian horses enjoy elite care with air-conditioned stables, a veterinary centre, hydrotherapy pools, and massage rooms—a testament to their importance and reverence in Qatari culture.

7Spy hawksbill turtles on Fuwairit beach

The soft sands of Fuwairit Beach have an annual visitor, the critically endangered hawksbill turtle with its hawk-like beak and serrated shell. April marks the beginning of the nesting season, which ends in June when the hatchlings take their first steps to sea. The beaches are closed to let the hatchlings remain undisturbed till their return to the oceans, repeating the circle of life.

To protect these vulnerable creatures, Fuwairit Beach is closed to the public during nesting season. However, with approval from environmental authorities, visitors may be granted the rare opportunity to witness the hatchlings as they take their first steps toward the ocean. Qatar’s conservation efforts have seen the release of 50,000 turtles since the Hawksbill Sea Turtle Protection Project started in 2003.