Some of the top things to do in Doha throughout the year…

Doha is experiencing some unpredictable weather conditions, with sunshine and rain interchanging places quite frequently.

There are several outdoor activities in Qatar that can be pursued almost throughout the year. Qatar Living takes a look at some of them.

1. Outdoor fitness training

With the passage of time, people are getting more aware of their health. And that has led to an explosion of outdoor group exercises/activities. The Bootcamp Qatar is a great way to burn off those excess calories. It offers group training exercises in places like Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art Park, Dahl Al Hammam and Education City. There are separate sessions for ladies as well.

If you want to tread the fitness path alone, consider walking along the Doha Corniche or the Aspire Park. Both areas are fitted with several exercise equipment as well. Exercise at your own pace.

For joggers, several running clubs, like the Doha Bay Running Club, are active on Fridays. Enthusiastic cyclists can also make use of Qatar Chain Reaction, among others.

2. Dune bashing

Qatar is famous for its lovely desert and sand dunes spread across several hundred square kilometres. Over time, dune bashing has become one of the ‘to do’ things in the country. There are several companies who provide users with the ‘dune bashing’ experience. Individuals, with 4x4 vehicles, can also do it, provided they are experts. Whatever you do on the sand dunes, please be safe. Remember, there’s someone waiting for you back home.

3. Kayaking

Qatar is a great place to kayak and canoe. Several companies offer kayaking tours across different areas — the Museum of Islamic Arts, the mangroves in Al Dakhira etc. It’s quite easy to master and is a once in a lifetime experience. Kayaking is perfectly safe. Kayakers are outfitted with inflatable life vests and expert swimmers/instructors conduct classes. It is something that should be experienced at least once.

Entalek is one company that provides kayaking trips through various locations.

4. Rock climbing

Rock climbing promises to give a great adrenaline rush, but one should be really, really careful while doing it. For first timers, it is always better to go along with someone who is experienced in this extreme adventure sport.

Zekreet, near Dukhan, has several large rock formations which can be used to climb. The Musfer Sinkhole is a popular attraction for people interested in going cave hunting. There are also several climbing walls installed around the country. One of them is at the Aspire Academy’s outdoor field.

5. East-West/West-East by Richard Serra

While this is not exactly an activity that tests your physique, it is still a unique experience.

East-West/West-East is an art installation by renowned artist Richard Serra, set in the Brouq nature reserve. It spans over a kilometre and comprises four steel plates, each over 14M in height.

To guarantee perfect alignment, Serra examined the topography of the land and beautifully enhanced the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert. Seeing it can be a humbling experience.

6. Dhow trips/fishing trips

Dhows are Qatar’s traditional wooden boats that people use to go out to sea. There are several local companies who organises private trips on dhows to enjoy barbecue, listen to music, go swimming or fishing.

If you are more interested in a short trip around Doha Bay, then you can hire one from along the Doha Corniche. The short trips, often lasting 20 to 25 minutes in all, is inexpensive and gives a rich feel of the night city.

For the more serious fishermen, it is advisable to hire small boats for a day.