Dukhan

Dukhan is an industrial city in the western reaches of Qatar. Dukhan was founded when oil was first discovered in the region, and its purpose has not changed since. Oil infrastructure is scattered throughout the city, and nearly everyone who lives in the area works for Qatar Petroleum. The city is off-limits to non-citizens. Only the police station, mosque and a small shopping mall are outside the two security gates that prevent entry to all other areas of the town to people not living there. Photography and video are strictly prohibited in Dukhan and the surrounding region.

Get in
The four-lane Dukhan Highway (Q3) connects Dukhan with capital Doha. The journey is 82 km, which equates to just over an hour.

The Route 104 and 104A bus (timetable) both terminate in the city. There are departures approximately every hour from the Doha Al Ghanim Bus Station, with the journey taking about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Be aware that there a different timetables for Saturday-Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and that service changes and disruptions can occur. It is recommended you call Mowasalat on +974 4458 8888 to confirm timetables.

Get around
A car is essential, as there is no public transportation within the region. Most sights can be reached with a 2WD, although to access the film city and Ras Abruk peninsula a 4WD is strongly recommended.

See
The town itself is open only to Qatar Petroleum employees and their guests; the only attraction for visitors is the beach and other nearby sights.



Do




Sleep
There is no accommodation available in Dukhan itself. There are good spots for camping south of the city en route to Umm Bab, as well as near Zekrit.

Go next

 * Doha - the capital of Qatar and home to most attractions
 * Zubarah - ancient archaeological ruins and an old fort, about 100 km north of the town