Qatar

AI may have contributed to this destination’s text and activity data. Confirm opening days, transport, prices and entry conditions with the relevant operator or authority; automatic live-data updates do not verify these descriptions.

Al Khor

Qatar's quiet northern coast

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Al Khor Plan a trip around Qatar

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Qatar

Photo: Vincent van Zeijst, CC BY-SA 3.0

Al Khor is a coastal city in northeastern Qatar, about 50 km north of Doha, known for its harbour, beaches, mangroves and the nearby Purple Island. It draws visitors for its calm corniche, renovated fort and watchtower, and easy access to birdwatching and ecotourism spots.

Largest cities

Doha
Al Rayyan
Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Qatar
Capital: Doha
City population: 202,031
Population of Qatar: 2.6M
Country area: 11,437 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +974
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 19 m
Plugs: D / G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 999
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	23°	24°	29°	35°	39°	43°	43°	44°	41°	37°	31°	25°
Low	14°	14°	17°	21°	25°	28°	30°	30°	27°	24°	20°	16°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$60
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$155
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$375

Plan a trip to Al Khor

Top things to do

Free
Al Khor Museum
Housed in a former police station on the corniche, it displays archaeological finds and maritime heritage, with good harbour views from the upper floor; entry is free.
- Half day
- Al Khor City
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Dhow Harbour
See traditional wooden dhows still used by fishermen, now motorised; best visited in the late afternoon when boats return.
- Half day
- Al Khor City
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Fish Market
Browse the day's catch at this lively market near the port; go early morning for the best selection and avoid Friday midday prayer time.
- Half day
- Al Khor City
- Good for kids
Free
Al Khor Watchtower
A restored 1900 defensive tower in a small park overlooking the corniche and beach; free to visit and pleasant at sunset.
- Half day
- Al Khor City
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim)
Walk across the earthen causeway through mangroves to this archaeological island, once a source of purple dye; good for birdwatching and crabbing, but bring water and sun protection.
- Half day
- Purple Island (Al Khor Island)
- Good for kids
Free
Al Farkiah Beach
A public family beach with shaded picnic benches, playgrounds and barbecue stands; open until late, with separate timings for families.
- Half day
- Al Farkiah
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Al Thakhira Mangroves
Explore the extensive mangrove swamps near Al Thakhira, a prime spot for birdwatching; kayak tours can be arranged from Doha.
- Half day
- Al Thakhira
- Good for kids
Free
Al Khor Park and Zoo
One of Qatar's oldest public parks, with green spaces and pergolas for picnics, playgrounds and train rides for children, an amphitheatre, a museum, a mosque and a zoo with over 300 animals; good for families.
- Half day
- Al Khor City
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Indian and Latin American passport holders, can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days; other nationalities need to apply in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and travellers staying more than 30 days must buy local health insurance. Check the latest rules on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Most visitors arrive via Hamad International Airport in Doha, then drive about 45 minutes north on Al Shamal Road or Al Khor Coastal Road. Public buses 102 and 102x run from Al Ghanim Bus Station in Doha, taking roughly 1.5 hours.

Getting around

Local transport is limited, so a car or taxi is the most practical way to reach beaches, mangroves and the island; the corniche itself is walkable.

Local tips

Dress modestly in public areas; swimwear is fine only at hotel beaches and pools.
Carry cash for small cafeterias and markets, though cards are widely accepted in malls.
Visit between November and March for comfortable temperatures; summers are extremely hot.
Swimming in the bay is not advisable due to shallow water; use hotel beaches or pools instead.