Sea among dunes
A rare sight.
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A tidal inlet reaching deep into the desert in southeast Qatar, on the Saudi border, about 78 km south of Doha, known as the «Inland Sea» because the waters of the Gulf push in among the sand dunes. It is a rare sight: calm blue water ringed by tall golden dunes, with the sand running straight down into the sea. The government declared it a nature reserve in 2007, and it is on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. There is no paved road, so it can only be reached by 4x4 across the dunes from the Sealine area, a thrilling ride known as dune bashing. Most visitors come on organised tours with expert drivers, which usually include a swim and the sunset. Don't try driving it yourself without sand experience. Winter is the best time; bring plenty of water and sun protection. Some operators run overnight camps on the shore.
A rare sight.
Over the sand.
Over the water.
Southeast Qatar, on the Saudi border
Only by 4x4 across the dunes from Sealine; most visitors join organised tours with expert drivers, and driving it without sand experience isn't advised.