Qatar West Coast: Day Trips and Tours from Doha

Qatar's West Coast is a haven for those looking to escape the hectic city of Doha. Stretching for over 100 kilometers, the coast is dotted with immaculate beaches, crystal-clear waters and lofty dunes that dot the desolate desert.

From diving into the azure waters to exploring desert landscapes, and abandoned villages on camelback, intrepid adventurers will find plenty to keep themselves entertained on a day trip from Doha to Qatar’s West Coast.

Here's all you need to know about the West Coast, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Doha.

How to get to Qatar West Coast from Doha?

Qatar’s West Coast is easily reached from Doha and its main landmark — Zekreet Beach — is located approximately 80 kilometers from the city.

From Doha to Qatar West Coast by car

To make the journey to Qatar’s West Coast, you’ll leave Doha in a westerly direction and follow the Dukhan Highway all the way. This will lead you to the pristine sands of Zekreet Beach and other attractions along the western shore of Qatar. It takes just under an hour to reach Zekreet Beach from the capital city.

Guided tour to Qatar West Coast from Doha

Another way to make the jaunt to Qatar’s West Coast is by booking a guided excursion. These are generally half-day adventures that include a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service. You can select a morning or afternoon tour and you’ll return to the city after approximately 4 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Beginning your Qatar West Coast day tour with a pickup from your accommodation, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive across the country by private vehicle.

Reaching your first destination — Zekreet Beach — you can admire its unusual rock formations, golden sands and rhythmic waves. From here, you can access the abandoned Film City and explore its whitewashed buildings that mimic a traditional Bedouin village.

The last stop on any Qatar West Coast day trip is at the “East West/West East” sculpture, where visitors are encouraged to wander through the desert to witness the magnitude of the colossal monument.

After you’ve been awed by this steel masterpiece, you’ll return to Doha where your Qatar West Coast excursion ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Qatar's West Coast?

Day trips to Qatar’s West Coast all tend to follow the same itinerary, so you can be sure to have a great day out no matter which one you pick.

Guided tour to Qatar’s West Coast from Doha

Zekreet Beach is the jewel of Qatar’s western shores and a popular destination for travelers on a Qatar West Coast day trip. Alongside its shimmering sands and turquoise waters, the Zekreet peninsula is home to Film City — an artificial town built for an Arabic TV series.

Despite its 21st-century design, the architecture of the buildings in Film City gives visitors an insight into a traditional village on the west coast in centuries past. You can amble through its empty streets and envisage yourself as a movie star.

You’ll also visit the remarkable “East West/West East” sculpture by Richard Serra — a series of towering steel monuments that dominate the surrounding desert landscape.

How much does a day trip to Qatar’s West Coast from Doha cost?

Qatar West Coast day trips range from US$50 to US$260 per person. While these are generally private tours, some allow you to select a group option for a more budget-friendly excursion. Tours on the higher end of this range include all entrance fees, as well as private transportation and a driver guide.

What will you see and do?

Film City

Zekreet Film City was originally constructed as a setting for the Arabic hit TV series — “Eyaal Al Theeb,” which translates to “Sons of the Wolf.” It is the perfect replica of a Bedouin village, similar to those that would have existed throughout Qatar’s history.

The Bedouins were the original nomads — animal herders who traversed the Arabian deserts and constructed villages in their stead.

The Film City replica is the perfect ghost town, where visitors can climb its turrets to gain a wide-sweeping view over the entire landmark and beyond into the endless sands of Qatar’s West Coast.

“East West/West East” sculpture

Richard Serra was commissioned by Sheikha Al-Mayassa to create the “East West/West East” sculpture in 2014 in the heart of the Qatari desert. The artist is widely celebrated as one of the best living sculptors of the modern day and was voted the third greatest living artist by “Vanity Fair” in 2013.

The monument is Serra’s second in the country, his first being a steel monument entitled “7” in Doha that sets itself apart from the cityscape. The “East West/West East” is comprised of four steel plates, handcrafted in Germany and erected in the Arabian desert, all of which exceed 14 meters.

The installation spans over a kilometer and visitors on a day tour to Qatar’s West Coast can trawl the four sculptures at their leisure, watching as the sun changes their appearance throughout the day.

When is the best time to visit Qatar's West Coast?

The best time to plan your Qatar West Coast day tour is during the wintertime, between November and March. During these months, the scorching summer climate is replaced by mild and enjoyable conditions that range from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.

If your interest is in swimming and sunbathing at Zekreet Beach, you may choose to visit between March, and May, when the water temperature increases.

Travel tips

• Bring your camera with you on your Qatar West Coast day tour so that you can capture the eerie abandoned village of Film City.
• Make sure you pay your respects to the Qatari people by adhering to their dress code. Wear long, loose garments that cover your shoulders and knees on your excursion.
• The water surrounding Zekreet Beach is at its coldest during February. If you wish to swim here, visit Qatar’s West Coast outside of this time.