Al Wakrah

Shell Roundabout in Al-Wakrah

Al-Wakrah is a city in eastern Qatar, just south of Doha. The town has a history independent from that of the capital, but it has developed into a bedroom community of Doha.

Get in

The Route 109 and 119 buses (timetable) pass through the Al Wakrah. Both leave from Al Ghanim Bus Station in Doha, with the 109 heading towards Mesaieed or Al-Wukair, and the 119 terminating in Al-Wakra. The frequency of both routes combined is about 5-20 minutes, with the journey time to the town centre being half an hour. There are different timetables for Saturday-Thursday and Fridays. Buses can be affected by service changes and disruptions, so it is recommended you call Mowasalat to confirm first on +974 4458 8888.

By private car, you should follow the Al-Wakrah highway signs out of Doha to the south-east, past the airport. The journey is just under 20 km, equating to 25 minutes in good traffic.

The newly opened Doha Metro Red Line connects Doha to the northern edge of the city. Multiple bus routes are available, such as M129 for inside main city, M134 covering some outskirts of main city and hospitals, M132 covering Al Junoub Stadium and M127 to Souq Wakra

See

Abdulrahman bin Jassim Fort, home of the Al Wakrah Museum

Dhow on Al Wakrah beach

• 1 Al Wakrah Museum (Abdulrahman bin Jassim Fort), Al Wakair Rd, ☏ +974 4464 3201. Housed in an old fort built in the early 20th century, this small museum displays artifacts of marine life and local history. The museum is closed for refurbishment. 
• 2 House of Sheikh Ghanim Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (along the beach road 500m north of Manaratain Mosque), ☏ +974 4429 1711 (Restoration Dept). Daily 24 hrs. It was built by a prominent local pearl trader in the early 20th century, and was fully restored in 2004. Open to visitors, just ask the security who will allow you to explore on your own. Free. 
• 3 Manaratain Mosque (next to the fish market). The mosque was built in the 1940s on the site of earlier mosques, and while not particularly old was built with traditional construction of coral and rock with a baked mud roof. Non-Muslim visitors should refrain from entering, but can appreciate the building from the outside. 
• 4 Dhow harbor. Much of Qatar's fishing fleet is based here, and the harbor makes for a pleasant backdrop for walking. 

Do

• 1 Al Wakrah Family Beach (just south of Al Wakrah). 07:00-22:00. Has toilets and showers, some shade and barbeque pits, and is completely surrounded by fencing. The water is shallow with sharp rocks; water shoes recommended. Free. 
• 2 Fishing, Al Wakra Harbour. While one gets to see the old harbor of the Al Wakra, which has been renovated to accommodate a huge number of traditional dhows and fishing dhows, fishing is one of the favorite past times of many enthusiasts here. The area is mostly filled with fishing enthusiasts who spend hours behind this, and if you are one, you too can join in the line and wait for your bite! (updated May 2017)

Buy

• 1 Ezdan Mall Wakra, Al Wukair Rd (across from the main hospital). A multi-level shopping mall, with food court and children's theme park. 
• 2 Grand Hypermarket, Al Wukair (inside Ezdan Mall Al Wukair). A hypermarket with almost all the required general amenities, including grocery, bakery, deli and hot food section. They also have a mini department store upstairs. Free. (updated Dec 2017)

Eat

The city of Al Wakra is brimming with many good restaurants and food outlets, and choice and cuisine varies from outlets to outlets. You can try Arabic, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Syrian, Afghan and many other cuisines in this city, it just takes a bit of searching around and using handy restaurant and café locator apps.

• 1 Fish market (near the car park area of the Souq Wakra). A good place to pick up fish from the latest catch, which can be cooked for you on the spot. 

Sleep

1 Time Rako Hotel (www.timehotels.ae/time-rako-hotel), Mesaieed Road No. 313, Zone 90, ☏ +974 4034 2111, marketing.rako@timehotels.ae. (updated Jan 2020)

• 2 Al Siraaj Wakra Inn Apartments, Mesaieed Rd, ☏ +974 4463 3737, fax: +974 4463 3802, wakrainn@alsiraaj-group.com. Serviced apartments with free Wi-Fi and breakfast and onsite coffee shop. 

Stay healthy

HMC operates an emergency department at its local medical clinic here.

• Al Wakra Hospital, Al Wukair Street, Al Wakra, managed by Hamad Medical Coporation
• 1 Al Wakrah Primary Health Center, Al Wakair St, ☏ +974 4464 4450. Primary health center within Al Wakrah City. 

Connect

Free Wi-Fi is available outdoors in 2 Al Wakrah Park.