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Qatar Camel Calving Season

Remote Lands mark the end of this year's camel calving season with the Qatar's cutest new arrivals, and it's time to plan for next year.

The inland sea, the World Cup, desert camping — camel calving might not be the most famous sight in Qatar, but it is worth your time. You’ve missed this year’s camel calving season in Qatar, but as travel opens up, now might be the time to think about how you’re going to catch these ungulates in 2021.

To mark the end of this year’s camel calving season, which runs from October to February, Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) released new photos of some of the country’s cutest new arrivals.

“The annual calving of camels is a joyful sight to behold. These majestic creatures have long been loyal companions to Qatar’s people and have contributed to the country’s prosperity over the centuries, nowadays being an intriguing attraction for tourists,” said Chief Operating Officer of Qatar National Tourism Council, Berthold Trenkel. “We’re delighted to be able to share images of our new arrivals and look forward to hosting visitors to experience this important part of our country’s culture when we reopen our borders.”

Camel experiences are part and parcel of any traveler’s visit to Qatar. Camels have graced the Qatari deserts for centuries, having been introduced to the country by the nomadic Bedouin tribes, and are an important part of Qatar’s culture and heritage. Initially the only mode of land transport, these sturdy animals are perfectly adapted to exploring the desert due to their famed skill of retaining water.

An extraordinary landscape located south-east of the country’s capital, Doha, the Qatari desert features both sand dunes and seabeds and is recognised by UNESCO as Qatar’s largest natural reserve.

The animals can be spotted in large herds in the desert around Khor Al Adaid, also known as The Inland Sea, which is a unique tourist attraction in Qatar. The impressive ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid lies to the south of the city, and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert, the QNTC says. Camel rides are a common desert experience, as are dune bashing in a 4×4 or quad bike and paragliding or kitesurfing.

For active holidaymakers wanting to visit Qatar’s camels, there are many opportunities to sit astride the impressive animals, the QNTC says, adding that culture enthusiasts can get a taste of the nomadic life of the Bedouin tribes through a camel tour of Mesaieed while those looking for a more luxurious experience can spend the night glamping under the stars following a desert camel ride.

Widely known for its luxe hotels and desert sands, Doha in Qatar is a jumping off point for many areas in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Following the Covid pandemic, the contentious 2022 World Cup is still set for Qatar.