Moving inland from the coast where many beach resorts like Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is located, you come across the Dukhan highway. A short way down the highway is the Al-Maha Sanctuary, or the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, the only place where Oryx breed within Qatar. The Oryx is an antelope like creature, smaller than an antelope, that is an unofficial symbol of the country. You would have seen the Oryx on the Qatar airways sign, as well as during the 2006 Asian Games, for which it was a mascot. Although there is much history and culture behind the Oryx, they were on the verge of extinction only a few years ago. However, they have now started to breed in captivity, one such place being the Al Maha Sanctuary.
If all you wish to do is observe these fidgety creatures you can simply walk into the Sanctuary. It produces around 75 Oryx calves each year, thus you will always see some young ones frolicking around. The Oryx stands out from the dusty backdrop of the Arabic region with its milky white coat, which is one of the reasons they are an endangered species. The Oryx’s curved horns are sought after by traders too, and you will understand why once you see them. Scattered among the Oryx are gazelles as well, so there is a certain equilibrium among the creatures. You can take a walk through the Sanctuary grounds, too. In order to do that, though, you need to ask your hotel in Doha to make arrangements for that or call the Sanctuary yourself. About a day or two of advance notice is required for this, and then you can walk the grounds and snap as many pictures as you want of these unofficial mascots of Qatar.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler.
