Tag: Banana Island Resort Doha

A Visit to The Al Bidda Park: Your Guide for A Perfect Day Trip in Doha

A visit to Al Bidda Park is a must when you visit Doha. It is a green haven that features cafes, gyms, a pet-friendly area, an outdoor theatre, and beautiful landscapes. It’s a great place for both locals and tourists, singles, couples or families to unwind and explore in Qatar.

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Ramamanivannan, Al Bidda Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Beautiful Landscapes

With a large space of greenery, the park boasts of large lawns that are perfect for an afternoon picnic, some play time for children or relaxing and reading a book quite peacefully. The park is also full of colourful flowers that add to its beauty. If visiting this park is on your bucket list for Doha, make sure you book your stay in one of the Doha suites located near the park and one of the best to consider is the Banana Island Resort Doha which is only 15 minutes away.

The Architecture

In addition to the landscapes, make sure you don’t miss out on the stunning bridge that connects Arumailah Park and Wadi Al Sail as it offers picturesque views and is the ideal setting for your Instagram feed.

Sports Activities, Cycling and Walking Paths

The park is home to many fun and relaxing physical activities as well. From walking, cycling and jogging paths to sports activities such as basketball, tennis, volleyball, and an artificial football field, there is so much you can engage yourself in.

The Delicious Food

Whilst you choose to either relax or engage in physical activity, you will find several restaurants and cafes that serve delicious food, you must visit the Tea Time Café, Wings Cafe, Nagham Café and more.

Dune Bashing in Qatar – A pastime climbing in popularity

Dune bashing in Qatar is an exhilarating desert adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with the stunning beauty of the vast sand dunes. This high-octane activity involves navigating through the undulating landscapes of the Qatari desert in a powerful 4×4 vehicle, as skilled drivers execute dramatic climbs, descents, and sharp turns. The experience offers not only a thrilling ride but also breathtaking views of the golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see.

What’s Dune Bashing?

In simple terms, dune bashing involves driving vehicles over sand dunes, but it’s far more intricate and enjoyable than it sounds. The unstable nature of the sand means drivers must constantly adjust their speed while navigating the hills and valleys. At times, the vehicle may slide across the surface as if it were on ice. Successful dune bashing requires a deep understanding of the terrain and the right angles to ascend and descend the dunes safely, but rest assured, the drivers are highly skilled.

Khor Al Adaid

In the 19th century, this area served as a refuge for pirates who could conceal themselves and navigate the challenging waters. The Inland Sea is a unique natural formation, resembling both a vast puddle in the desert and an ocean. Due to minimal rainfall, the water is particularly salty, supporting a diverse ecosystem that includes species like sea turtles and desert foxes. At low tide, the fossils of various marine life from ancient times become visible. Khor al Adaid is truly a desert oasis, revealing a shimmering body of water that emerges as you rise over the white dunes.

How to Go Bashing

To experience dune bashing, you’ll need to book a trip with one of the many tour companies that provide these adventures. Most operators offer half-day, full-day, and overnight excursions. Those staying overnight will have the chance to sleep in Bedouin-style tents, some of which come with various luxury amenities. Certain tours include meals, and camel rides may also be available during breaks in the dune-bashing action.  If you’re staying in the Banana Island Resort Doha, consider asking hotel staff for opportunities.

Bahnfrend, Dune bashing, Dubai, 2007 (11), CC BY-SA 4.0

What to Bring Along

As you’ll be spending hours under the desert sun, it’s essential to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sandals, and sunglasses. Don’t forget to pack a camera to document your experience climbing the dunes and capture the breathtaking views when you arrive at Khor al Adaid. Depending on the length of your tour and the amenities provided, you might also consider bringing a snack from your stay in luxury hotels in Doha.

Al Bidda to Doha – History Worth Knowing Before You Travel – A Guide to the Captivating City 

The humble and captivating journey from Al Bidda to Doha traces the transformation of a humble fishing village into a modern city while preserving its rich heritage and culture.

Jaseem Hamza, Al Bida Park, Westbay Doha, Qatar – panoramio (4), CC BY 3.0

Origins of Al Bidda 

Long before skyscrapers and busy streets dominated this city, Al Bidda was a simple settlement located along the Arabian Peninsula. Its strategic location made it a hub for pearl diving and fishing – activities which have sustained generations up to this day.

Rise of Doha 

Al Bidda’s historical turning point came in the 19th Century, when it was a dependency on the Ottoman Empire. In the 1820s, the ruling Al Thani family sought greater control thus leading to conflicts with the Ottomans. In 1867, then-ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Thani moved the capital from Al Wakrah to Al Bidda and renamed it Doha.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage 

Despite its rapid development, Qatar is committed to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The city of Doha is home to numerous museums and cultural institutions such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the Doha Film Institute, and the Qatar National Museum.

A Glimpse of Doha Today 

A glimpse of Doha highlights the seamless blend of modernity and tradition in the city today. From luxury hotels in Doha to the bustling souqs, visitors are sure to enjoy what the city has to offer. Visit the iconic landmarks and museums and indulge in traditional cuisine before retreating to the quiet comfort and luxury of a property such as the Banana Island Resort Doha.