Al Khor (also spelled Al Khawr) means "sea on three sides" in Arabic.
Al Khor is located an easy 50 kilometres from the capital city, to the north of Doha. This former pearl fishing centre is currently under renovation – beautifully manicured flower beds greet you as you drive in from the desert, but the road alongside the Corniche is shut off and half the city seems to be being dug up.
There is not a lot to do in Al Khor, although it does make for a refreshing change to Doha. The harbour is worth a visit, and there is a fish market just in front of the harbour. The mangrove swamps are popular with birdwatchers. You can walk along the beach, where several play areas have been set up for children, baseball nets strung up and sun shelters erected.
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There are a few restaurants strung along Al Khor's main street - the vast majority of which seem to be Turkish. You can have some very good food here for very good prices - try asking them to put you together a platter of mixed food.
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There are some public gardens just outside Al Khor, and at nearby Al Thakira there are salt marshes which provide a very different scene to the normally dry desert. If you are feeling brave, cross the salt marshes in search of the Al Thakira beach. Losail racing circuit is located halfway between Doha and Al Khor, and has a number of races throughout the year. If you have got a four by four you could also visit the rock carvings at Jabal Jassiya.
Al Khor (also spelled Al Khawr) means "sea on three sides" in Arabic.
Al Khor is located an easy 50 kilometres from the capital city, to the north of Doha. This former pearl fishing centre is currently under renovation – beautifully manicured flower beds greet you as you drive in from the desert, but the road alongside the Corniche is shut off and half the city seems to be being dug up.
There is not a lot to do in Al Khor, although it does make for a refreshing change to Doha. The harbour is worth a visit, and there is a fish market just in front of the harbour. The mangrove swamps are popular with birdwatchers. You can walk along the beach, where several play areas have been set up for children, baseball nets strung up and sun shelters erected.
.
There are a few restaurants strung along Al Khor's main street - the vast majority of which seem to be Turkish. You can have some very good food here for very good prices - try asking them to put you together a platter of mixed food.
.
There are some public gardens just outside Al Khor, and at nearby Al Thakira there are salt marshes which provide a very different scene to the normally dry desert. If you are feeling brave, cross the salt marshes in search of the Al Thakira beach. Losail racing circuit is located halfway between Doha and Al Khor, and has a number of races throughout the year. If you have got a four by four you could also visit the rock carvings at Jabal Jassiya.
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