Al Reem Biosphere Reserve

Al Reem covers a large part of northwestern Qatar and was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2007, taking in gravel desert, the shallow depressions called rawdat where acacia and ghaf trees grow, limestone outcrops and a stretch of coast. Reem is the Arabian sand gazelle, and the reserve is named for it. Oryx, gazelle and desert birds live in the reserve alongside grazing and farming. It is Qatar's only UNESCO biosphere reserve and covers well over a thousand square kilometres.

What you actually see

• The rawdat - shallow depressions where trees and grass grow in the desert.
• The gazelle - the Arabian sand gazelle the reserve is named for.
• The gravel desert - the flat stony plain across most of the area.
• The 2007 designation - the UNESCO biosphere listing.

When to go

November to March is the comfortable season. The rawdat green up after winter rain. Summer heat makes the desert unusable.

Honest expectations

There is no visitor centre and no marked route, so the reserve is difficult to experience without local knowledge. Wildlife sightings are unlikely. Four wheel drive and navigation are needed for the tracks.

Nearby

Al Zubarah is north, and Doha is southeast.