Umm Tais National Park

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Umm Tais Island, near Ar Ru'ays, Al Shamal, Qatar
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In short

Umm Tais is an uninhabited island national park off Qatar's northern tip near Ar Ru'ays, with sandbars, mangrove islets, migratory birds and a key hawksbill turtle nesting site. Admission is free but the boat tours that get you there are paid, and access depends on tides. Birders and nature lovers should allow half a day.

Umm Tais National Park is a protected, uninhabited island off the northern tip of Qatar, within about 6.4 kilometres of the fishing town of Ar Ru'ays in Al Shamal Municipality. Established in 2006, it is one of Qatar's main nesting sites for the endangered hawksbill turtle, which makes it a destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers more than beachgoers.

The park covers the low, sandy island together with sandbars and small mangrove-fringed islets around it. It was established in the year Doha hosted the 15th Asian Games. On the mainland nearby are the ruins of Al Mafjar, an abandoned village that the authorities plan to develop as a visitor attraction.

Tides, mangroves and birds

The coastline changes with the tides, as sandbars appear and disappear and shallow channels shift with the currents. Mangroves grow on the sheltered islets and act as a nursery for fish and crustaceans. The open flats attract migratory birds, including herons, egrets, gulls, terns and shorebirds, which draws birdwatchers in the migration seasons.

Hawksbill turtle nesting

Umm Tais is best known for hawksbill sea turtles, listed by the IUCN as endangered since 1982. Qatar's Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Project, run since 2003 with QatarEnergy and Qatar University, monitors the beaches from Al Mafjar to the Umm Tais islands as part of the national turtle programme. In the 2025 season, 219 turtles nested across eight main sites, Umm Tais among them. Nesting runs through spring and summer, and nesting areas may be marked off and closed in season. Keep well away from them.

Al Shamal Road to Ar Ru'ays, then across the shallows

Drive north from Doha on Al Shamal Road to Ar Ru'ays, about 1 hour 15 minutes. The island is reached across shallow water depending on the tide, and routes are not well signed, so many visitors go with a local tour company. A 4x4 helps on the sandy tracks near the shore; off-road driving on the island itself is not allowed. No public transport serves the area.

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Key information
🏝️Type: National park on an uninhabited island with sandbars and islets
📍Location: Northern tip of Qatar, within about 6.4 km of Ar Ru'ays
📅Established: 2006
🐢Turtles: One of Qatar's main hawksbill turtle nesting sites
🐦Birds: Herons, egrets, gulls, terns and shorebirds
🕕Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)

Explore the area

View in a map
Ar Ru'ays harbour 6 km
Al Mafjar ruins nearby
Madinat Ash Shamal 10 km
Al Ghariyah Beach 20 km
Al Zubarah 30 km
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✦ Plan your visit to Umm Tais National Park Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Nature
  • Mangroves fringing the island
  • Changing sandbars and channels
  • Migratory birds in season
Wildlife
  • Hawksbill turtle nesting
  • Fish and crustaceans in shallow water
Heritage
  • Ruins of Al Mafjar village nearby
What They Offer
Entry Free admission
Tours Trips with local operators, depending on tides
Birdwatching Migration seasons
Visit duration Half a day, or a full day with nearby sights
Timed entry required No

Accessibility

Soft sand with no boardwalks or accessible facilities.

Age limits

None. Children must be supervised in the water: there are no lifeguards unless signed.

What to pack

Plenty of water, food, shade (umbrella or tent), sunscreen, rubbish bags

What to wear

Swimwear with a cover-up, water shoes, sun hat

Not allowed

Entering marked turtle nesting areas, disturbing birds, cutting mangroves, littering, off-road driving on the island

Amenities

Few or no facilities, no shops, shade or lifeguards.

Tips for visiting Umm Tais National Park

  • Check tide times before you go, as access and water levels change through the day.
  • Bring water, food, sun protection and shade, since there are almost no facilities.
  • Stay away from marked turtle nesting areas and never disturb nests or hatchlings.
  • Use binoculars for birdwatching and keep a respectful distance from flocks.
  • Combine the trip with Al Zubarah Archaeological Site on the north-west coast.

Admission tickets

Entry is free.

Umm Tais National Park: Free Access

Admission is free; tours are paid.

  • Free access to the public beach
Admission

Free entry: no ticket or booking is needed.

Opening hours

Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.

Visitor policy

Check availability
Cancellation and prepayment
No booking needed.
Children and admission
Children are welcome; supervise them closely in the water.
Groups
No booking needed for groups; large gatherings should follow local rules.
Pets
No specific rule is published; keep pets leashed and away from other beachgoers and nesting areas.
Photography
Photography is welcome; respect other beachgoers' privacy. Drones need civil aviation approval.
Bags
No restrictions.
Smoking
Take cigarette ends and all litter home; no open fires outside designated areas.
Accepted payment
Free; no payment needed.
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Stay in Al Shamal

Where to stay near Umm Tais National Park

Hotels closest to Umm Tais National Park, nearest first, so you spend less time on the road and more time there.

Al Ruwais

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som5-star hotel

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6.6 km from Umm Tais National Park

from$718.00/ night
  • Internet – Wifi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Swimming pool
5 Rooms available Book Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers based on published references.

General

It is on an uninhabited island at the northern tip of Qatar, within about 6.4 kilometres of the town of Ar Ru'ays in Al Shamal municipality. The park includes sandbars and small islets around the island.