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 endangered animals in Qatar. The geography of the reserve consists of sandy plains with some hills and valleys as well as suitable topographical and geological formations. Natural grass, seasonal herbs and wild trees grow on sand dunes in the reserve.