Jazirat Bin Ghanim (Purple Island)

Jazirat Bin Ghanim, known as Purple Island, is a low mangrove island in Khor Al Shaqiq bay beside Al Khor, about 50 km north of Doha in Qatar. It is free, reached on foot along a dirt path through shallow water, and suits birdwatchers, families and kayakers for an hour or two.

The island lies in Khor Al Shaqiq bay beside the city of Al Khor, about 50 kilometres north of Doha. It covers about 1.67 square kilometres, and its highest limestone outcrop stands about 8.5 metres. A dirt path crosses the shallow channels from the shore, and grey mangroves, Avicennia marina, grow along its southeast and east coasts.

The island has traces of human activity from the 2nd millennium BC, the only site of that age in Qatar, but no evidence of permanent settlement. Pottery dated to about 2000 to 1750 BC links it with the Dilmun civilisation based in Bahrain, and it served as a transit point and seasonal camp for fishermen and pearl divers. The French archaeological mission led by Jacques Tixier first studied it systematically in 1976.

During the Kassite period, about 1400 to 1100 BC, workers here produced a red to purple dye from the sea snail Thais savignyi, which lives under rocks in the intertidal zone. Excavations found a shell midden of about 2.9 million crushed shells, along with large ceramic vats probably used to soak the crushed molluscs, which explains the island's popular name. Later finds show that it served as a camp for pearling expeditions in the Sasanian period and as a fishing outpost in the late Islamic period.

Today most people come to walk among the mangroves and watch crabs and small fish in the shallow lagoons. Migratory birds, including flamingos and herons, gather here mainly from November to February.

There is no admission fee or ticket. Park near the causeway on the Al Khor side and expect wet, muddy feet depending on the tide. There is no shade, drinking water or shop on the island, so bring supplies, and go early in the morning in the cooler months for birds and comfortable walking; an hour or two is enough.

The drive from Doha along Al Khor Coastal Road takes about 45 minutes, and there is no direct public transport. Al Khor Corniche is 4 km away and the Al Khor Towers 3 km, so the island pairs well with a walk in the town. Cutting mangroves, disturbing birds and taking shells or archaeological finds are all prohibited.

Qatar Museums describes people coming to the island for a purpose and leaving again: it served as a transit point and temporary camp for trade with Bahrain, and fishermen and pearl divers used it from the start of the 2nd millennium BC. The dye snail, Thais savignyi, still lives under rocks in the intertidal basin. Visit Qatar points to the dense mangroves and greenery as the reason the island is a popular sunset spot.