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Updated 7 November 2026. This article draws on our time living in Qatar from 2019 to 2024. Our photos and video show those visits. Opening hours, beach access, facilities and entry conditions can change, so check local information before visiting.

Welcome to Al Wakrah, Qatar. Located just 20 kilometres south of Doha , Al Wakrah is a historical centre of pearl diving and fishing that has also become one of the largest cities in Qatar. Its name is derived from the word nest or wakar, due to the location of the mountain of Al-Wakrah in which birds build their nests.

Al Wakrah is very much worth exploring and in this post, I will share with you 5 things to see in Al Wakrah.

If you’d prefer to watch our video instead, then head to 5 things to see in Al Wakrah, Qatar | Exploring Qatar

Al Janoub Stadium

Al Janoub Stadium opened in May 2019 and hosted seven matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Its design reflects the dhow boats associated with Al Wakrah’s fishing and pearling history. Check the official stadium information and current events before planning a visit inside.

The World Cup is part of the stadium’s history. Public access inside the venue depends on events and visitor arrangements; seeing the building from the surrounding area is a different experience from holding a match or tour ticket.

In addition, the grounds of Al Janoub Stadium have been designed to bring the community together. For instance, it has a lot of beautiful parkland, a garden, a variety of gym equipment, a children’s playground and an exercise path suitable for walking, running and biking.

If you’d like to find out more about the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Stadiums, watch our video here!

Al Wakrah Old Souq

The charming Souq Al Wakra or Al Wakra Old Market, was opened in 2014, and it is the located directly on Wakra beach. The Souq is a marketplace that resembles old Qatari homes and villages. In other words, a perfect blend of new and old. Here you will find a variety of products and wares including: men’s and women’s accessories; perfumes; handicrafts; carpets; flowers; sweets; jewellery; cheese; nuts; souvenirs; swords; animal markets; and hawks and falcons.

Attractions

We enjoyed wandering the Souq’s lanes and stopping at its seafront cafes and restaurants. Souq Al Wakra Hotel by Tivoli is part of the area. A museum we hoped to visit was closed on our original trip; we have not confirmed its current opening arrangements.

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Facilities

The Souq offers a well maintained, spacious family beach with bathrooms and shower facilities for ease of use. Also at the far end of the Souq you will also find an extensive sandy playground for all ages. For instance, this is actually one of our favourites due to the variety of equipment offered to suit a wide range of ages. In addition, it has a convenient parking area and a bathroom near by that is kept fantastically. Above all, the sea view and sea breeze while the kids play is easily one of our highlights.

Opening Hours

Shop and restaurant hours vary, including during Ramadan and public holidays. Confirm directly with any business you particularly want to visit. We enjoyed the Souq in both daylight and after dark, when the atmosphere felt quite different.

Make sure to visit this place both at daytime and night time too, for two complete different experiences.

Al Wakrah Public Garden

We liked Al Wakrah Public Garden for its greenery, shade and playground. Check its current opening hours and facilities locally; the weekly timetable from our old visit is no longer included here.

Beaches of Al Wakrah

The beaches of Al Wakrah are not only beautiful, they are also some of the closest to Doha. And with many beaches to choose from, you are sure to be able to find a favourite. Dotted along the Al Wakrah coastline you will find: Dog Beach, Souq Al Wakrah Family Beach, New Al Wakra Public Beach and Al Wakra Municipality Family Beach.

Dog Beach

Dog Beach featured in our original video. The shore looked shallow on our visit, but tides, soft sand and water conditions can change. Shallow water is not a guarantee of safety for young children. Keep vehicles in permitted areas away from the water’s edge, and follow the beach’s posted access and dress requirements. Do not assume every public beach has the same rules or facilities.

Souq Al Wakrah Family Beach

Souq Al Wakrah Family Beach is located at the Souq and it is for families only. Being part of the Souq, this beach is very well looked after with easy access to facilities including beach chairs, parking, change rooms, toilets and lots of restaurants. There is a dress code to utilise this beach so make sure to bring modest swimming wear.

New Al Wakra Public Beach

New Al Wakra Public Beach is the newest beach park in the area. The area is completely fenced off and also has a security guard at all times. It has easy to access parking and toilets available for public use. The beach here is quite rocky so make sure to pack beach shoes.

Al Wakra Municipality Family Beach

Al Wakrah Municipality Family Beach was one of our favourites, particularly for its playgrounds and quieter mornings. If you walk near tidal flats, stay close to shore, watch the tide and supervise children carefully rather than following water far out across the sandbanks. Check the current facilities and entry conditions before visiting.

Al Wakrah Fort

Al Wakrah Fort stands opposite the Souq area. It was not open to visitors when we wrote the original article. Check current access locally; our experience does not confirm whether entry is available today.

I hope you have enjoyed my list of 5 top attractions to visit in Al Wakrah. Why not head over to our top list of 8 Things to See Near Souq Waqif and make the most out of your next visit there?

Watch our Al Wakrah visit

See Visit Qatar’s public beach information for current planning advice. Many free beaches have no lifeguards.