From Al Aamriya to Ras Abrouq: Top 5 Off-Road Spots in Qatar

Looking to get your adrenaline pumping, or an interesting way to spend the day? Try off-roading in Qatar. The country has a trail for anyone, no matter if you’re a seasoned 4x4 enthusiast or just someone who wants to swap city lights for a day in sand, silence, and stars. With rolling dunes stretching for miles and rocky desert outcrops, here are the top five off-road paths in Qatar. 

The Ash Shaqra trail is one of the most popular off-road terrains in Qatar. It is located south of Doha, near the border with Saudi Arabia, and is an exciting trip along Qatar’s coastline. You will travel through sand and dunes, enjoying the view of the Persian Gulf along the way.

The path’s difficulty is moderate to intermediate, so it’s not the best option if you don’t have any off-roading experience. Furthermore, the terrain isn’t suitable for regular cars, so opt for a 4x4 instead. 

The Zekreet to Ras Abrouq trail will take you through a landscape featuring towering limestone formations and fossilized beaches. This road starts in Zekreet and finishes in the Ras Abrouq peninsula, offering one of the most visually captivating off-road experiences in Qatar. 

This route is more suited for exploration than for adventure, as it’s a beginner-friendly road that leads through sites such as the Replica City, an abandoned set used in Arabic films. Although this trip is suitable for beginners, it is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle or an SUV for added stability and control.

If you are looking for big dunes, Al Aamriya is the perfect spot. Situated southwest of Doha, this road offers an authentic dune-riding experience. It’s renowned for being a quiet and non-commercial location, which makes it ideal for a peaceful retreat.

The dunes are soft and tall, perfect for testing your driving skills. However, you should come prepared, as you will need a 4x4 vehicle suited for off-roading. Moreover, deflate your tires (12–15 PSI) to make floating on the dunes easier.

If you don’t want to go too far from Doha for off-roading, you should explore Al Thakira. It’s ideal for those who want to have full control over their trip and take a break whenever they want. The Al Thakira trail is basically a ride around the town that allows you to explore the shore and Al Thakira beach, as well as enjoy the scenery while the mangroves are towering over you.  

This route is also great for beginners as the terrain isn’t as rocky. Having a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, but some popular SUVs, such as Land Cruisers or Fortuners, would also work.

The route from Sealine to Inland Sea is considered one of the region's crown jewels for off-roading. On this trip, you will climb towering dunes and then descend into the peaceful sea bay.

The trip begins in Sealine Beach and finishes in the bay of Khor Al Udaid, the off-road path in the Inland Sea, after about 30 kilometers of driving. You will enjoy thrilling dune bashing, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views of the sea lagoon.

Remember to prepare thoroughly for this journey, as it requires advanced off-roading experience. Using a 4x4 vehicle with essential off-roading gear is necessary, and deflating the tires to 18–20 PSI is recommended.

Off-roading is a fun but dangerous activity. So, here are some things to keep in mind before you hit the road. 

Bring the right gear

Safety gear for off-roading includes:

• Tire deflator

• Air compressor

• Tow straps

• Shovel

• Spare tire

• Sun protection

• GPS routes

Make sure your car insurance covers off-road driving

If you decide to bring your vehicle on an off-roading adventure, you need good car insurance. Choose comprehensive car insurance instead of the regular TPL insurance, and, if possible, opt for off-road add-ons for extra protection. 

Travel with an additional vehicle or book a guided tour

Even experienced off-road drivers avoid going alone on off-roading trips, as they can be pretty unpredictable at times.

If you don’t have any friends who are willing to come with you, you can always contact travel agencies and book a guided tour to ensure your trip is safe. Guided tours can be a great experience, as you can enjoy your off-roading voyage without worrying too much.

Some popular companies that can help you book an organized off-roading tour in Qatar are TripAdvisor, Singing Sand Dunes, Viator, and Sandline Dunes Qatar.

Deflate your tires

Deflating tires makes your vehicle float over an uneven terrain, which helps you navigate the car more easily. Aim for tire pressure between 12 and 20 PSI, depending on the terrain you choose.

If the trail includes more sand, the tire pressure should be lower (12–15), while rocky terrains require a higher PSI (18+) to avoid punctures.

Check your vehicle

To ensure your vehicle is ready for this kind of trip, you should check:

• Tire pressure

• Tire tread depth

• Fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid)

• 4x4 system functionality

Rent a proper 4x4 vehicle

It’s best to use a 4x4 vehicle when going off-roading, as it provides more traction and stability when driving on challenging terrains. In Qatar, you can get a 4x4 from QAR 150/day at SIXT, Strong rent-a-car, Rhino Car Hire, and Belady.

To rent a car in Qatar, you typically need a valid driver's license (your national license should be enough for renting up to seven days) and a passport or ID (for residents). If you want to rent for longer than a week, you’ll either need an international permit or a license from a GCC country.