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Qatar is known to attract visitors for its rich cultural experience, historical buildings, modern infrastructure, and services but equally, Qatar also has a few beautiful islands in the region. These islands are now top destinations that residents and tourists look forward to.
The islands in Qatar are a mix of everything. From modern buildings and experiences to natural reserves and habitats. Read below to learn about these islands in Qatar:
The Pearl Island
In one line, Pearl Island is best described as Qatar’s Riviera-style island offering unique lifestyle and retail experiences. The Pearl, Qatar, is a fascinating, vibrant, and luxurious man-made island located on the outskirts of West Bay Lagoon (Legtaifiya) and connected to the mainland via the Pearl Boulevard main road and service road.
Pearl Island is a mixed-use destination comprising residential areas, hotels, dining and cafes, fitness centers, beauty and fashion shops, retail stores, entertainment places, and so much more. The most popular areas are Medina Centrale, Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier, and Viva Bahriya.
How to reach: You can go in your private car from the Pearl Boulevard main road/causeway that takes you to the island.
Access to the island: Free
To know all the details about the Pearl Island, click here.
Qetaifan Islands
Qetaifan Islands are a gift from Qetaifan Projects, a Qatari real estate development company, and below are the two islands flourishing in Lusail City:
Qetaifan Island North is the main project by Qetaifan Projects. It is a distinct island featuring a state-of-the-art waterpark, a luxurious hotel, unrivaled accommodations, and world-class facilities. The unique design is inspired by the region’s rich culture and nature.
The island is connected to the main road via the Qetaifan Island Bridge – North. It is home to the beautiful Mosque Twenty Seven (27), the luxurious hotel Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, Meryal Waterpark, and Azure Beach Club.
Qetaifan Island South: This comparatively new island is still under construction. Its main highlights are the Qetaifan Island Glass Bridge and the Lusail walkway.
How to reach: You can take your private car to the respective islands from the two causeways.
Access to the island: Free
Al Maha Island
A shining star in Lusail City, the glittering Al Maha Island is another leisure island in Qatar. Located across the Lusail Marina promenade and linked to the mainland by a causeway, Al Maha Island is a dream destination to visit, especially during the cooler months, as it comes alive with festivities.
Starting with the Season 3 opening of Lusail Winter Wonderland in October, the festivities continue with the Roaming Circus in November, and in December, beautiful winter decorations & celebrations for Qatar National Day and New Year’s Eve.
If you are a fan of seafront restaurants and walkways, Al Maha Island should be on your list. World-famous high-end restaurants are housed on Al Maha Island with equally amazing indoor and outdoor seating with glittering views of Lusail City. For casual dining and coffee with sea views & city views, Al Maha Island would be one of the best destinations to pick in Qatar.
How to reach: You can take your private car to the islands from the causeway.
Access to the island: Free
To know all the details about Al Maha Island, Click here
Banana Island
The island is home to the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. It is a 5-star private luxury island resort just minutes from Doha. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a crescent-shaped golden beach with overwater villas just off the coast of Doha. It is an escape for family adventures, ocean thrills or serene spa bliss.
The resort has 141 sea view rooms, suites, beach and overwater pool villas, 800 m of golden shoreline, a Surf pool, a VIP cinema, a bowling alley, a mini putting golf course, and Anantara Spa. The check-in is at 3 PM Check-out is at noon. The island has complimentary WiFi.
Enjoy an alcohol-free atmosphere as you surf, dive, golf, bowl or cinema. Race across lagoon waters with a host of motorised water sports. Unwind in the Middle East’s only wellness centre in an island resort setting, spread across lush botanical gardens.
Also, it is a popular spot for couples and honeymooners because of the island’s privacy, plenty of activities, adventures, and picturesque attractions.
How to reach: When you book a property at the island resort, you can access the island via a private catamaran from Al Shyoukh Terminal in Doha.
Access: All in-house guests are required to provide the following identifications at Al Shyoukh Terminal Reception prior to issuance of boarding passes:
Qatar Nationals and Expats (Original QID)
Tourists and Non-Residents (Original Passport)
Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha
Instagram: @bananaislandresort
Al Safliya Island
The little uninhabited island of Al Safliya lies off the shore of Doha, south of the Pearl. It has no facilities hence it provides the raw experience with nature and sea.
This island is all about sun, relaxation, and water activities! There are no restrooms or other facilities on the island, so if you are planning a visit, bring your supplies.
Also, this island provides the best views of Doha from a unique perspective. Many tourism companies provide visits to this island on their water vehicles. You can try packages from Discover Qatar. Their packages have breakfast, kids, or dinner menus, a traditional Arabian setup, which includes a table and cushioned seats, and more. To learn more, click here.
How to reach: To reach this island, you will have to book packages with any tourism company in Qatar providing tours to Al Safliya Island.
Purple Island
Al Khor Island, also known as Jaziret Bin Ghannam and Purple Island is located in the municipality of Al Khor on the northeast coast of Qatar. It is the only archaeological site in the country and it is famous for its natural beauty, exotic flora, and fauna.
The island is famous among visitors who like kayaking or overnight camping. The best time to visit the island is between November to February.
The island’s spectacular natural beauty makes it the ideal place to bird watch, walk in nature, spot a variety of marine animals, kayak through the mangroves or cross the wooden bridge that connects the island with small hills and Purple Island Beach.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities on the island, and no shade provided, so prepare accordingly. Bring your supplies, hat or shade of any kind, appropriate footwear to walk around and of course, leave no trace behind; pick up any trash and take it with you before leaving.
You can book a kayaking trip in the mangroves through this link.
How to reach: An hour’s drive from Doha, near Al Khor. It can be reached by a sedan car or an SUV.
Access to the island: Free
Location: Purple Island, Al Khor