Qatar’s great green escape – Katara Hills

Katara Hills is our antidote to Qatar’s flat, desert environment. It’s green, hilly, loaded with trees, has a freshwater stream and fabulous views over the ocean and other Doha landmarks. 

It’s all man-made and perfectly manicured, of course.

But this matters not a jot when you’re seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of Doha city life with its shiny skyscrapers, multi-line highways or Qatar’s natural desert environment.

At Katara Hills, which is part of the wonderful Katara Cultural Village in the inner part of the city, we can finally breathe and relax.

Yes, breathe (especially, after the many months of missiles and uncertainty in Qatar and elsewhere in the Middle East.)

I call Katara Hills my “great green escape” place.

So, join me in exploring these green hills which, as you will soon appreciate, are very different to those experienced by those who live in more temperate climes.

Katara Hills is man-made

Katara Hills is man-made.

If it weren’t situated in Qatar, the second flattest country in the world, after Maldives, and where temperatures can reach 50C, you might be fooled into thinking otherwise.

Katara Hills was in fact constructed in the early 2020s, ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, as part of the Katara Cultural Village, alongside the sea. And, if my research is correct, this public space, was completed in a record time of four months!

We’re pretty sure that the beautifully sculpted hills were built on a foundation of “material fill”.

It was built in readiness for the soccer showcase and with so much construction ongoing at the time, we think it is likely that building rubble was dumped there, but I have not been able to verify this yet.

Katara Hills is split into two parts (North and South) covering some 361 500 square metres (36 hectares). That’s the equivalent of about 50 soccer fields.

It has a man-made river, jogging tracks and specialised drainage systems. The latter is to keep Katara Hills verdant green, including the 3 300 trees imported from around the world.

In short, this public recreational space – albeit man-made – is a magnet for families, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. It also overlooks a wonderful selection of landmarks.

Splendid views

The elevated park, which is one of the largest in Doha, offers great views across the city and surrounding coastline.

There are unobstructed views of Katara Cultural Village, the sea, and the adjacent Pearl. At the very top is Bayt El Talleh, a restaurant offering panoramic views, located in the Northern Hills.

But I will let the photographs speak for themselves.

The park is particularly popular with families at the end of day as the sun is setting.

Family destination

Families flock to Katara Hills.

The wide-open spaces, along with views, make it an ideal picnic spot. During any one visit you will see families, especially those with young children, enjoying the open green surrounds.

Very often there are children’s birthday parties ongoing.

Katara Hills comes with parking, 24/7 security and overnight lighting.

It’s a safe space. Even if there were not security staff on duty throughout the Hills, I am happy to walk alone.

Tree talk

Although the hills are artificial, it’s filled with greenery and plants.

The trees and plants come from different countries. There are name tags on some of the trees, encouraging people to learn more about them. Qatar’s national tree, the sidra tree, and other trees that are able to withstand the country’s sweltering summers, can also be seen.

Birds of a feather

The presence of trees attracts birds, including the wrong one – the mynah bird.

Since 2022, Qatar has captured over 52 000 invasive mynah birds in a bid to protect local biodiversity. Cages have been set up in the North part of Katara Hills to trap these invaders.

The other birds, such as pigeons, doves, sparrows, shrikes and desert larks, are released.

What to enjoy

A snap shot of what to expect at Katara Hill:

• A 2.8km rubberised jogging and exercise track
• Pedestrian walkways
• A stream and water feature
• Bird song, pedestrian walkways, and water features
• The Lebanese restaurant, Bayt el Talleh on 974 4408 1777
• The new Katara Hills hotel with15 villas. These were erected using sustainably sourced mass timber kits imported from Europe to ensure rapid construction and durability.
• Great views
• And since you, of course, within the Katara Cultural Village, which is equally special with its ever-changing host of festivals and exhibitions.

How to get there

The hills are situated within and overlooking the Katara Cultural Village and is easily accessible.

• North Hills – https://goo.gl/maps/MPX8dTb3PPuRWQdG7
• South Hills – https://goo.gl/maps/mwyPBxfwGeHvb2Xx5

There is plenty of parking.

You can also use the Metro. Take the Red Line and go down to Katara Metro Station. Take the exit nearest to Galeries Lafayette. To get to North Hills, cross the road to the other side of Shakespeare street. To get to South Hills, you have to walk further towards Katara Mosque and the Pigeon Towers then cross the road.