Al Thakhira Mangrove, Mangrove forest in Al Khor, Qatar.
Al Thakhira Mangrove is a large coastal forest in Al Khor that stretches across roughly 1,400 hectares with dense trees rooted in shallow water. The forest provides habitat for many fish species and birds that live among the roots and above the water.
The region was the center of fishing and pearl diving for local people over many centuries, with communities building their economy around the sea. This maritime past has shaped how people today understand and protect this coastal landscape.
Local communities have long valued this forest as a natural larder, relying on the mangroves to support fish and other sea creatures that sustain their food and livelihoods. The way people today interact with and protect the forest shows how deeply this place remains tied to who they are.
Visitors can explore best by kayak, with morning and afternoon options available to paddle through the waterways. It helps to wear comfortable clothing and pay attention to tides, since they affect how easily you can navigate through the roots.
The root systems of these trees have adapted to extreme saltwater concentration, using special structures to store fresh water and filter out salt. This makes the place a striking example of how plants survive in one of nature's harshest environments.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
