Nature Reserves
The State of Qatar turned great attention to wildlife, preserving and developing it to protect it from extinction. In 2004, Qatar issued an Emiri Decree approving Wildlife and Habitat Protection law No. 19. The State has established many nature reserves and conservation areas to protect and maintain ecological systems. The administration of protected areas and wildlife is in charge of preserving these nature reserves, maintaining their environmental components and proposing conservational policies, programs and activities.
The vision for Qatar’s environment focuses on maintaining sustainable wildlife, protected and developed by a discerning society, for a better future for the next generations.
Qatar is home to several nature reserves equipped with state-of-art technologies and supported by top experts:
Al Sheehaniya Reserve
Located 45 kilometers from Doha in Al Shahaniya area in the heart of Qatar and spanning 12 square kilometers, Al Shahaniya protected area is one of the first nature reserves established by the State. In 1979, Al Shahaniya was designated as sanctuary ...
Al Mashabiya Reserve
Officially opened in 1997 and covering around 54 square kilometers, Al Masshabiya reserve is located in southwest Qatar, to the southeast of Abu Samara center. The reserve was created to resettle Arabian Oryx (Al Wodhaihi), gazelle and other endanger...
Al Thakhira Reserve
Al Dakhira was designated as a natural reserve in accordance with Decision No. 6 for the year 2006. Located in northeast Qatar, 64 kilometers from Doha, the reserve’s marine section includes the small island of Um Far and natural mangroves, while the...
Al Eraiq Reserve
The reserve lies in the southwestern region of the State of Qatar, 80 kilometers from Doha. Created under Decision No. 1 for the year 2006 to protect its vegetation from overgrazing, Al Eraiq is known for its diverse flora species, with geographical ...
Al Reem Reserve
The reserve lies in northwest Qatar, 65 kilometers from Doha, on the western coast. It was established in line with Law No. 7 of 2005. It covers around 16 percent of Qatar’s total land area and has distinctive calcareous formations alongside the west...
Al Wusil Reserve
The 36-square-kilometre nature reserve was founded pursuant to Law No. 7 of 2005 in northeast Doha and measure around 36 square kilometers. It was chosen in line with the biodiversity strategy objectives and to limit the rapid urbanization on Qatar’...
Khor Al Adaid Reserve
Khor Al Adaid was designated as a nature reserve in 2007 under Decision No. 1, and lies 80 kilometers from Doha in Qatar’s southeastern corner. Also known as the “Inland Sea”, Khor Al Adaid is located in the southernmost part of Qatar and stretches o...
Al Rafa Reserve
The 53-square-kilometre verdant reserve is located near Al Rayyan and Al Wajba areas. It is considered highland as it lies at a higher altitude than the surrounding land. It is populated with wild plants that sets it apart from other reserves. It s c...
Sunai Reserve
The reserve lies northwest of Doha. It was designated as a protected area due to its biodiversity and to limit urbanization.
Um Al Amad Reserve
Located 25 kilometers from Doha, in the northeastern part of the country, the reserve is known for its verdant spots and dense vegetation.
Um Qarn Reserve
Located 25 kilometers from Doha, in the northeastern part of the country, the reserve is known for its verdant spots and dense vegetation.
Irkaya
Irkaya Farm is located off the Abu Samra Road about 50 kilometers west of Doha in the south central plain of Qatar. Irkaya sits like a glowing emerald in the middle of the desert. It is home to many resident species and lies on the flight path of mi...
