Qatar’s biodiversity at Khor Al Adaid

Qatar’s biodiversity at Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserve

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserve has attracted a large number of fans visiting Qatar for the World Cup, an official has said.“Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserve enabled fans a close view of animals, especially those of rare species like Arabian Oryx and gazelles,” said Salem Al Safran, Assistant Director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that the natural reserve, located 80 km from Doha in southeast of Qatar, spans 1,833 square kilometres and aims to promote eco-tourism and introduce fans to country’s efforts in protecting the rare species of animals to ensure biodiversity in the country.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change postponed winter camping at some places, including Khor Al Adaid, which were expected to attract a large number of fans, he said. Winter camping in Sealine and Khor Al Adaid areas will begin immediately after the World Cup.

“It was decided to postpone winter camping in the southern regions (Sealine and Khor Al Adaid) until December 20, 2022, and extend the camping period in these areas until May 20, 2023, as a commitment from the Ministry to provide the best quality of services to campers and ensure that they are not affected by this postponement,” said Al Safran.

He said that the Ministry also established a four meters high platform along the fence of Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserve from the western side to enable visitors to watch the animals closely and take pictures.It was designated as a natural reserve based on Resolution No. 1 of 2007.

The area of the natural reserve is commonly referred to as the Inland Sea. It has high sand dunes, representing a unique combination of geological terrain and environmental factors.It creates natural environments that support unique types of animals and plants, and led to the emergence of a natural landscape and an exclusive ecosystem for Qatar.

The natural reserve is also one of a few places in the world where the sea makes its way into the heart of the desert. This tranquil stretch of water can only be accessed over sprawling sand dunes.