Desert

Sunset over the inland sea, a single 4x4 vehicle with a man fishing is seen in the mid distance.

Khor Al Adaid, otherwise known as Qatar's Inland Sea, has a storied history over the centuries. From pirates, secessionist tribes, to border disputes. Now, the region is Qatar's largest nature reserve and most well-known tourist destination. Everyday, almost all-year round, the summer months see most activities shutdown, there are numerous activities and excursions taking place featuring the vast rolling dunes of the inland sea.

A lady sits atop a camel smiling while the sand dune behind her looms large.

A man leads a caravan of camels carrying tourists across the sun-soaked dune.

Over the shoulder perspective image as a lone photographer captures a photo, and in the distance atop the dune a single 4x4.

The silhouette of a girl jumps in the air. The setting sun rest atop her head, and casts its warm glow on the gentle waters below.

Our adventure began with pickup in our rugged Land Cruiser at 14:30 by the Qatar Museum Metro Station. With our group acquired the drive to the dune's entrance takes 45 minutes to an hour. We arrive at the Sealine Beach, itself host to row upon row of 4x4, quad bike, and other adventure paraphernalia tour groups, for a quick refreshment break with karak tea and a briefing of what's to come.

But first, an obligatory camel photo-opportunity. Mount your chosen camel and the guide takes the reins as he walks you to a picturesque dune for photos and bragging rights to that 'Lawrence of Arabia' experience you've always dreamed of. Even in April, the brief foray beyond the cool embrace of air conditioning is pretty toasty!

A lone figure stands on the desert sand, the tracks of the 4x4s criss-cross the sand all around her.

View out of the car window as another 4x4 descends the dune beside us. The large expanse of desert sand is seen all around.

Perspective out the window, the hot sun beats against the desert sands.

Sandboarding. Descending the dune while racing against a 4x4 in the background.

Over the shoulder view of the sun settings against the waters of the inland sea.

Time to hit the dunes! Our driver deploys his licencse to thrill with daring descents and impossible cambers as we bounce around the rolling dunes to the first stop. A steeply banked dune for that tourist favourite, sand boarding! Or rather, standing on a snowboard with the straps removed as you slide down the dune and do your best to maintain your balance.

The tour must go on! And on it shall, after having plenty of time to acquire sand in all the wrong places, its back into the Land Cruiser as the sun creeps ever lower to the horizon, heading towards the Inland Sea. Arriving at around 17:30, the sun is at that moment where it just seems to float above the dunes, bathing the area in the golden glow. There's something about how the light interacts with the desert sand in the air that really turns the usual golden hues into an intensity of orange and red flame.

With plenty of time to enjoy the setting sun, take some photos. Some people not in our group even dived into the water! It was time for the return. This time taking the direct path across a bumpy dirt road, refilling the tyres with air, and back onto the highway towards Doha.

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These photos where taken on April 30, 2025. But, the sunset is pretty consitent all year round setting between 5pm and 6pm all year round. So just choosing an afternoon tour will be enough to guarantee the golden-hour shots you desire!

It is very hot, over 30°C during the day for most of the year. In the summer months it is consitently over 40°C! However, if you're coming during the winters, be aware that the evenings can be quite chilly, below 20°C and with the wind too.

Equipment used to take these photos:

Sony A7RV Body
Sony 14mm f1.8 GM Lens
Sony 50mm f1.2 GM Lens
Sony 135mm f1.8 GM Lens

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