The Inland Sea is one of the Arabian peninsula’s most unusual sights: a landlocked lagoon surrounded by picture-perfect sand dunes. Discover unforgettable things to do in this nature reserve.
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One of the rarest places on earth
Khawr al Udayd (also spelt Khor Al Adaid and Khor al-‘Udeid) is an inlet of the Persian Gulf in southeast Qatar, on the border with Saudi Arabia. Known among the English speakers as the Inland Sea, this enchanting destination is where three majestic sand dunes converge with the sea. It boasts a unique blend of wildlife and vegetation unseen elsewhere in the region.
The area was declared a nature reserve in 2007 and is on a tentative list to be included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other geographical features include rocky ridges and cliffs, highlands and coastal ‘sabkha’ – a flat terrain formed as a result of the evaporation such as salt and minerals near the surface.
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UNESCO-recognised natural reserve
Qatar’s most natural and unique landscape
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The border shared by Qatar and Saudi Arabia
Located 78 km south from Doha and reached in 1-2 hours
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Dramatic sand dunes
This 10 km tidal bay boasts dunes of up to 40 metres high
A colourful history of a pirate stronghold
This shallow, salty inlet was used as a safe haven by Abu Dhabi pirates in the 1800s. Their seafaring skills and familiarity with these shallow waters gave them the upper hand to escape from anyone trying to recover stolen goods.
They became so problematic that, at one point, the British Navy was called in to deal with the issue – which only increased tensions between neighbouring territories.
Unique experiences at the magical Khor Al Adaid
With its clear blue waters and natural beauty, the Inland Sea is a wonderful place to go birdwatching, enjoy a 4x4 adventure or spend a day at the beach.
Experience thrilling dune adventures
There are so many ways to appreciate the magnificent desert dunes of Khor Al Adaid. If you prefer the tranquillity of nature, go on a guided nature walk to spot rare wildlife such as the Arabian oryx. If you love adrenaline, go sandboarding or hit the dunes on a quad bike, ATV or dune buggy.
Relax in the twinkling waters
Spend a day frolicking in the beautiful turquoise waters of Khor Al Adaid Beach. Drift along on a kayak, try your hand at fishing or go snorkelling to spot brightly-coloured sea slugs and stingrays. At low tide, you might see fossils of ancient marine life such as gastropods, bivalves, corals and sea worms.
In the morning, the water rises towards the dunes like a lake, while in the evening it recedes to form a tranquil beach under a golden sunset.
Go camping in the desert
In days gone by, Bedouin tribes would move across the desert to let their animals graze. They would set up camps and trade with other tribes. Today, this tradition remains embedded in Qatari culture, with the annual winter camping season or Al Enna, whereby locals venture to the desert in elaborate camps.
Book a desert safari and stay the night in a Bedouin-style camp under the stars. If you prefer more luxury, Outpost Al Barari offers one-, two- or three-bedroom villas with uninterrupted views.
Ride a camel
Exploring the ridge of a magnificent sand dune on the back of a camel is a real bucket list experience. Afterwards, you can enjoy some Arabic coffee, sweets and dates while you get a henna tattoo and pose with a falcon.
Get a bird’s eye view
Awe at the aerial of this fascinating destination as you experience your favourite adventure in the skies of Qatar. Go paragliding, kite surfing or on a hot air balloon ride to see the landlocked sea from above and view as far as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Join Rio Ferdinand on a thrilling desert safari
Watch as former English footballer Rio Ferdinand tries his hand at sandboarding and enjoys an exhilarating off-road drive.
Great deals to savour your Inland Sea experience
Browse our hand-picked travel packages to make the most of your Inland Sea adventure.
Stay 7, pay 5 at Zulal Wellness Resort
Enjoy a full day tour at Inland Sea
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Inland Sea - private tour
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Hilton Salwa - Pool & beach access
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Any questions about the Inland Sea?
Yes, entry is free but you can only reach the nature reserve with a 4x4 vehicle and an experienced off-road driver. It is recommended that tyres be deflated to 18-20 psi prior to leaving the nearest town of Mesaieed.
Khor Al Adaid is about an hour’s drive from Mesaieed and the Sealine Beach, and just under 80km south of Doha. The coordinates to get there are: N24 42 50 E51 24 55. There is no road that leads to it and a 4X4 vehicle is a must. There are several desert safaris and daily Inland Sea tours that you can book during your stay in Qatar.
The best time to visit is November through April. During these months, the weather is not too hot or too cool, which makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of the area.
Yes, it’s safe to swim at the Inland Sea. The water is calm and warm.
You can stay at Sealine Beach (a Murwab Resort), the Regency Sealine Camp or the Outpost Al Barari.
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