The desert's edge reveals a wetland marvel

Where the vast Qatari desert meets the horizon, rocky plains and sandy expanses transform into lush greenery and winding water channels. Along the tidal shores, slender mangrove roots rise from the muddy earth, supplying oxygen to the dense shrubs while crabs scurry in and out of their burrows.

Al Thakira's mangrove forests stand as one of the most cherished natural treasures of the Gulf, offering a peaceful retreat for city dwellers and a serene getaway for tourists in search of nature's embrace.

These protected woodlands are home to Avicennia marina, commonly known as the gray or white mangrove, which has become the region's most dominant species.

Located at the intersection of land and sea in Qatar, these mangrove thickets serve as a crucial nursery for coastal fish, crustaceans, and a safe haven for seasonal birds such as flamingos and herons.

"Mangroves are among the most vital ecosystems in this region," says Mehsin Alyafei, a marine environment expert at Qatar University and a leading environmental advocate, in an interview with Dinogo.

He emphasizes that mangroves act as a natural barrier against rising sea levels and coastal erosion, support a wide range of biodiversity, and contribute to the sustainability of fish populations by nurturing marine species.

"We've identified over 30 species of fish in these mangroves," Alyafei shares. "There are various types of crabs, multiple shrimp species, squid – this area is teeming with life, all coming here to feed."

Try kayaking

Situated just north of Al Khor and around 60 kilometers from Doha's bustling city center, the mangrove area is easily accessible by car, though it requires a bit of off-road driving to reach the location.

Once you arrive, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding is the best way to immerse yourself in the verdant landscape, especially during high tide.

Several tour operators and travel agencies are available for booking in advance, offering guided experiences.

Purple Island

Another great option is to visit the nearby Jazirat Bin Ghannam mangroves, widely known as Purple Island.

Historically a transit point and site for pearl divers and fishermen dating back to 2,000 BCE, Purple Island earned its name from the red-purple dye once derived from the shells of a local mollusk.

Qatar Museums reports that excavations uncovered a massive shell pile, containing nearly three million crushed shells of the sea snail Thais savignyi, along with large ceramic vats likely used to process the mollusks.

"You can still find many shells of these snails on the island," says Meraj M. Qureish of 365 Adventures, a company that offers both morning and afternoon excursions to the mangrove area. "Another reason for the island's name is the abundance of purple flowers that bloom every spring."

The island features a long wooden pathway that connects to a beach and several small hills with limestone cliffs. This peaceful spot is perfect for family strolls during low tide, spotting marine life, and birdwatching during Qatar's winter months. Although it's accessible by car, visitors should bring their own supplies, as there are no facilities on the island.

Carbon storage

Over the years, the area has been the focus of numerous volunteer clean-up efforts, aimed at removing waste like plastic and glass while raising awareness about the importance of mangrove ecosystems—especially in a region where the harsh desert conditions limit plant growth.

Scientists have long highlighted the biodiversity benefits of mangroves, including their ability to filter water by absorbing pollutants. They also play a crucial role in combating climate change, thanks to their impressive capacity to sequester carbon dioxide.

"Per unit area, mangroves sequester three to four times more carbon than any terrestrial ecosystem," says Daniel Murdiyarso, principal scientist at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), in an interview with Dinogo. "Hence, preserving intact mangroves and restoring those that are degraded are vital for mitigating climate change."

Mangroves 'deserve protection'

Worldwide, mangroves cover less than 15 million hectares—about the size of Greece—spanning over 120 tropical and subtropical nations, according to UNESCO. The organization warns that these vital ecosystems are vanishing at a rate three to five times faster than global forest loss.

The United Nations reports that some countries have lost over 40% of their mangroves between 1980 and 2005, largely due to coastal development, changes in land use, and large-scale commercial aquaculture.

Mangroves in Qatar have also faced significant pressure, with Al Thakira currently standing as the last notable mangrove ecosystem in the country.

"We’ve lost most of the coral reefs and seagrass in the region, and now we must protect the remaining mangroves," says Alyafei, commending the country’s conservation efforts, including replanting projects, aimed at preserving its ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Murdiyarso reiterated the urgent need for action.

"The small patches of Qatar’s mangroves are incredibly valuable in the context of the vast desert landscape," he explains.

"These mangroves must be protected, particularly from urban expansion. Consider the water birds—if the mangroves are destroyed, they won’t return, as the vital ecosystem services will be lost," he adds.