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Al Wakrah

Qatar's historic pearling town by the sea

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

Photo: Bojan Mustur, CC0

Al Wakrah is a coastal city just south of Doha, once a fishing and pearling village and now a fast-growing seaside town. Visitors come for its restored souq, dhow harbour, family beach and the striking Al Janoub Stadium.

Largest cities

Doha
Al Rayyan
Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Qatar
Capital: Doha
City population: 87,970
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: 5 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°	28°	34°	39°	43°	43°	42°	40°	36°	31°	25°
Low	14°	15°	17°	22°	26°	28°	31°	31°	28°	25°	21°	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.$43
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$105
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$275

Plan a trip to Al Wakrah

Top things to do

Free
Souq Al Wakrah
A restored traditional market on the corniche with cafés, shops and evening lights; come after sunset when it is liveliest and coolest.
- Half day
- Souq Al Wakrah and dhow harbour
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Dhow Harbour
Walk among the traditional wooden dhows of Qatar's fishing fleet; the waterfront is a pleasant spot for photos in the late afternoon.
- Half day
- Souq Al Wakrah and dhow harbour
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
House of Sheikh Ghanim Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
A restored pearl trader's house on the beach road that is open daily and free; ask the security staff to let you look around.
- Half day
- Beach road and family beach
- Indoors
Free
Manaratain Mosque
A 1940s mosque built of coral and rock with a baked mud roof next to the fish market; non-Muslims should view it from outside only.
- Half day
- Souq Al Wakrah and dhow harbour
- Good for kids
Free
Al Wakrah Family Beach
A fenced beach with showers, shade and barbecue pits open 07:00–22:00; the water is shallow with sharp rocks, so bring water shoes.
- Half day
- Beach road and family beach
- Good for kids
Free
Ezdan Mall Wakra
A multi-level mall with a food court, hypermarket and children's theme park; a good air-conditioned option during the hot midday hours.
- Half day
- Ezdan Mall Wakra and Al Wukair
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
Fishing at Al Wakrah Harbour
Join local enthusiasts fishing from the renovated harbour, or arrange a boat trip; bring your own gear or ask around the harbour for a charter.
- Full day
- Souq Al Wakrah and dhow harbour
- 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 travellers arrive via Hamad International Airport in Doha, about 20 km north; a taxi or Careem ride takes roughly 25–30 minutes, or you can take the Doha Metro Red Line to Al Wakrah station and continue by local bus.

Getting around

Local buses (routes M127, M129, M132, M134) link the metro station, souq and stadium, but taxis or a rental car are easier for the beach and outlying areas.

Local tips

Dress modestly in public areas; swimwear is fine only at the beach or hotel pool.
Fridays are quiet in the morning with many shops opening after prayer; plan around it.
Cash is useful at the fish market and small cafés, though cards are widely accepted.
Summer (June–September) is extremely hot; do outdoor sightseeing early morning or after sunset.