Al Kharaitiyat

Al Kharaitiyat is a small village in the Umm Salal municipality of Qatar, located roughly 15 km north of Doha on the Al Khor Road corridor. Historically a Bedouin encampment site, it has gradually suburbanised in recent decades with the expansion of Doha's northern suburbs. The village retains a rural character, with walled farmsteads, camel pens, and patches of cultivated land interspersed with modern villas.

Unlike the neighbouring heritage hubs of Umm Salal Ali and Umm Salal Mohammed, Al Kharaitiyat has no monumental sights. Its chief interest for travellers is as a quiet stopover — a place to see a less-polished, agricultural side of Qatar. The village is also home to a notable camel market and a few family-run farms that open their gates during the harvest season.

The climate follows the Qatari pattern: extreme summer heat (May–October, daily highs above 40°C) and mild winters (November–March). The winter months are the only comfortable time to spend any real time outdoors here.

By Plane

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is the closest airport, about 30 km south. A taxi takes roughly 30 minutes and costs QR 80–100.

By Train

By Car / Road

From Doha, drive north on the Al Khor Road (also the Doha Expressway). The turn-off to Al Kharaitiyat is well signed, about 15 km from central Doha. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available; bus Route 102 from Al Ghanim Bus Station also passes nearby.

Al Kharaitiyat is small but spread along a main road; walking is possible for short distances but a car is recommended to reach outlying farms and the camel market. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Karwa) operate in the area with fares from Doha starting at QR 35–40.

• Camel market — A working livestock market on the outskirts of the village where traders buy and sell camels. Most active in the early morning. Free to observe.

• Traditional farms — Several working farms grow alfalfa, vegetables, and raise goats and camels. Some welcome quiet, respectful visitors.

• Photograph the camel market — The market offers an authentic glimpse of Qatari rural life; early morning light is best.

• Farm-to-table visits — A few farms sell fresh produce directly; check with local contacts for seasonal availability.

• Off-road driving — The gravel tracks around the village are suitable for 4WD exploration, leading to patches of sabkha (salt flats) in the hinterland.

• Roadside grills — Simple kebab and shawarma outlets along Al Khor Road. Mains QR 10–25.
• Al Kharaitiyat Farm cafés — A few informal stalls sell fresh camel milk, laban (yoghurt drink), and local cheeses. Prices are minimal.
• Doha or Al Khor — For a full sit-down meal, drive 15 minutes south to Doha or 10 minutes north to Al Khor.

Fresh camel milk is a local speciality available at farms and the camel market. Bottled water and soft drinks are sold at convenience shops. Karak chai and Arabic coffee are available at roadside cafés. No alcohol is sold in the village.

The camel market is the most distinctive shopping experience; bargaining is expected for livestock. Local farms occasionally sell dates, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. For handicrafts and souvenirs, Souq Waqif in Doha is the nearest comprehensive market.

• Umm Salal Ali (4 km, 7 min) — Barzan Towers and Dilmun-era burial mounds.
• Umm Salal Mohammed (5 km, 8 min) — The Umm Salal Fortress and twin Barzan watchtowers.
• Doha (15 km, 15 min) — Capital city with the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and Katara Cultural Village.
• Al Khor (10 km, 12 min) — Coastal town with a dhow harbour, mangroves, and seafood dining.
• Zubarah (95 km, 1 hr) — UNESCO World Heritage fort and 18th-century pearling settlement.