Dahl Al Misfir

Dahl Al Misfir is a cave in central Qatar formed in limestone, at least forty metres deep, its entrance about twelve metres by four and a half, opening into a chamber whose walls carry fibrous gypsum that reflects light with a faint phosphorescent look, which is where the name, cave of light, comes from. It is one of the deepest accessible caves in the country. In November 2022 it was reopened after the first full geological survey of the cave, with safe access paths, barriers, shaded rest areas and a sign with a cave map.

What you'll find

• The gypsum walls - fibrous crystal that gives the cave its faint glow.
• The descent - at least forty metres down, on the access paths laid in 2022.
• The chamber - the space at the bottom of the descent.
• The limestone country - the flat desert the cave opens into.

When to go

November to March is when the desert approach is comfortable. The cave itself is stable year round. Rain can flood the shaft.

Good to know

Access has been restricted at times, and the site was closed before the 2022 works. There is nothing to see from the surface.

Nearby

Rawdat Rashed is nearby, and Doha is east.

Key facts