Overview
Perched on the eastern coast of the Qatari peninsula, Al-Khor (alternatively, Al Khawr; Arabic: الخور) is a major settlement just north of Doha. The city is far older than Doha, but much smaller (the population is roughly 31,000). It used to be the center of the now non-existent pearl trading industry, so now the city is undergoing renovation.
Get in
The Route 102 and 102x buses (timetable) towards Al Thakhira and Al Khor Community respectively service the town. Both depart from Al Ghanim Bus Station in Doha, with a bus every half an hour or so. The 102 has an hour and a half journey time, while the 102x will save you about 15 minutes. There are different timetables for Saturday-Thursday and Fridays.
Al-Khor is about 50 kilometres north of Doha, reached by either Al Shamal Road (Q1) to Al Ruwais, or by the Al Khor Coastal Road (Q1A), passing by the Doha Moto GP racetrack, Lusail City and the Pearl Qatar. The trip should take 45 minutes.
See
Al Khor Museum. This quaint museum overlooking the seafront provides good views over the harbor from the second floor. It showcases archaeological artifacts from the Al Khor region dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, as well as specimens of local marine life. An additional exhibit illustrates the legend of Ghilan and Mae, one of whom was the region's first female pirate and believed to be from Al Khor.
Dhow harbour. Traditional dhows are still used for fishing here, although their sails have long since been replaced by diesel engines.
Fish market. This is a good place to pick up fresh seafood from the day's catch.
House of Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Missned. This is the birthplace of Sheikha Mozah (the second wife of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar). Although the house has not been maintained, it is a good example of traditional Qatari architecture. It is closed to the public, but can be viewed from the outside.
Watchtower. This defensive watchtower was built in 1900 and is now fully restored. It is located in a small park with a pleasant view overlooking the Corniche and the beach. There is a second watchtower along the North Road.
Purple Island. This small island, linked to the mainland via an earthen walkway through the mangroves, has seen human activity for the past 6000 years. The name comes from a purple dye from shellfish which were harvested here 3000 years ago. There are a number of archaeological sites on the islands, as well as old shell middens. This is also a good place for birdwatching and crabbing.
Simaisma Mosque. Built in 1938 using traditional materials of coral, rock, and sun-baked mud. Non-Muslim visitors are advised to refrain from entering, but can freely view the building from the outside.
Do
Al-Khor is a pleasant and quiet town, and though its Corniche cannot match Doha's in beauty, it does offer a nice enough place to relax and sunbathe, or play beach volleyball or cricket if you feel like being a little more active. There are plenty of shady places to sit near the sand, but you can't swim in the bay here as, like much of Qatar, the water is too shallow.
Al Khor Fly-In. An annual light aircraft show which takes place on a 3-day weekend in mid-January. The event is hosted by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, and is popular with aviation enthusiasts as well as families.
Dhakira mangroves. This fishing village is now a bedroom community of Al Khor, and its extensive mangrove swamps are particularly good for bird watching.
Al Farkiah Beach. A public beach with shaded picnic benches, toilets and shower facilities, barbecue stands, and children playgrounds.
Al Khor Public Gardens. The gardens are now open after 4 years of renovation.
Buy
Al Khor Mall. This mall opened in 2012, and has a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a Lulu Hypermarket.
Eat
Maha al Khaleej Cafeteria. Offers decent burgers and a soft drink for a very cheap QR 3.
Pearl of Beirut. Popular with Filipino expats.
Blue Brasserie Restaurant. Buffet dining in the hotel lobby.
Al Dente Seafood Restaurant. A beachfront restaurant, serving Italian-style dinner only.
Al Khor Mall. The mall has a standard food court as well as several restaurants, including Chilli's (American), Royal Tandoor (Indian), and Shatter Abbas (Middle Eastern).
Seashore Food Center. A decent-sized grocery store in a strip mall.
Lulu Hypermarket. A full-sized hypermarket with a good deli selection.
Ansar Gallery. Medium-sized supermarket.
Sleep
Al Sultan Beach Resort. A medium-sized, five-star hotel with private beach, swimming pool, jacuzzi and fitness center. The facilities are accessible to day visitors for a fee. Two unlicensed restaurants are also onsite.
Camping. A good beach with very shallow sea, popular for camping.
Make Al Khor your own.
Before committing, pick one main reason for this visit and two nearby experiences that support it. Check the guide’s transport sections against current operator information. A convenient base can save more time than adding another attraction.
- Choose your arrival point and one base. Write down the real transfer time, not just the map distance.
- Build a first-day plan with room to settle in. Cluster the places you want to see rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
- Use actual accommodation and transport quotes in your budget. Add fees to the quote before comparing it.
- Keep one uncommitted block. Weather, energy and a good local recommendation can all change your plan.
Source transparency
This guide adapts licensed text by Wikivoyage contributors. It is not a claim that Lakhou has visited or independently verified every listing. We converted the source to plain text, selected practical sections and removed price sentences and private contact information. The planning framework and any related-business booking recommendations above are Lakhou editorial additions.
Original revision 5359163 · Contributor history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Reused text and adaptations on this page are available under that license. Source revision date: 2026-09-13. This is not a date of field verification.
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