Singing Sand Dunes

Just a few weeks after returning to Doha from the States we had an opportunity to venture out to the Singing Sand Dunes with the social group from Kev's job.  We've both always wanted to go but been a little too hesitant to figure out where it was on our own.  And who are we kidding?  Stuff like this is always more fun with a big group of people.

Our caravan of nearly 20 cars left the compound around 2pm and after a quick and easy drive we arrived at the dunes.  There are several of the large crescent shaped dunes and we settled at the largest of the bunch.  When we first arrived it was clear that some of the local Qatari drivers wanted to show off their moves.  Just check out the quick video below...


With over 50 expats taking their cameras out, this guy found no need to stop and zig zag'd back and forth a few times before our group was bold enough to start climbing up the dunes.  After about 20 steps I realized I was getting nowhere and that climbing dunes was a bit like being on a StairMaster.  I noticed some of the bunch approaching the dunes from the far right side (literally climbing the peak up) and found that way to be much more my style (though Kev went the traditional way, twice).

Once at the top of the dunes we crashed out for a bit, thinking that this might be a one time occurrence and we might as well enjoy being at the top while we could.  As the sun set our Qatari friend in the Land Cruiser zipped back through our crowd a few more times... a coupla times behind us on the back side of the dune and a coupla times (much to the dismay of many parents) at the front of the dune, with many kids playing down below.

Did the dunes sing for us?  A little.  There was a Land Cruiser that drove perpendicular down the dune and the whole dune seemed to hum with his tires.  We also heard a humming as we ran down the dunes, with each footstep.  We spent the evening grilling out, enjoying new friends and smiling as a bunch of non-American's tried s'mores for the first time. 

Check out all of the photos from the Dunes over on Facebook.

Directions according to QatarVisitor.com...
Head out of town along Salwa Road.  About eight miles after the large roundabout by the industrial area, you will come to a Mobil petrol station.  Go past the station and do a u-turn.  Drive back along the road, past the army camp, and take the right turning onto the road to Messaieed.  Drive along the road, past two roundabouts.  Turn left at the first junction after the roundabout.  Follow the new road – be careful as there are some vicious speed bumps.  You will cross a pipe line, and come to a t-junction - go straight ahead here. As you drive along (it's not very far) you’ll be able to see the dunes – leave your car by the side of the road if you have a sedan, or drive over the rough ground if you have a 4 wheel drive.