:Geography of Qatar#Climate

Qatar has one land border. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the south. The boundary with Saudi Arabia was settled in 1965 but never demarcated. This terrestrial sector extends from the head of the Gulf of Salwah at Abu Samra to Khor Al Adaid,{{cite web|url=https://www.encyclopedia.qa/ar/%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%B1/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AC%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%B1|title=طبوغرافية شبه جزيرة قطر|publisher=Qatar Historical Encyclopedia|language=Arabic|date=28 April 2024|accessdate=20 July 2024}} spanning a linear distance of approximately {{convert|87|km}}.{{citation |url= https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saudi-arabia/|title=CIA World Factbook – Saudi Arabia|access-date=20 July 2024}}

Qatar presents as a peninsula encompassed by the tepid waters of the Persian Gulf on its eastern and northern flanks. The western margin is delineated by the Gulf of Salwah, a concave formation which effectively severs Qatar's terrestrial connection with the Al-Ahsa coast and Bahrain.

Qatar's northwest coast is fewer than {{convert|30|km|abbr=on}} from the main islands of Bahrain, while the small Hawar Islands of Bahrain are only {{convert|1.9|km}} off the coast.{{cite web|last1=Al Sharif|first1=Farah|url=https://dohanews.co/qatar-bahrain-territorial-dispute-erupts-online-as-ownership-claims-resurface-on-twitter/|title=Qatar-Bahrain territorial dispute erupts online as ownership claims resurface on Twitter|publisher=Doha News|date=1 August 2021|accessdate=20 July 2024}} The largest islet of the Hawar Islands is located {{convert|5|km}} off Qatari mainland.{{cite journal|last1=Wiegand|first1=Krista E.|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41342770|title=Bahrain, Qatar, and the Hawar Islands: Resolution of a Gulf Territorial Dispute|publisher=Middle East Institute|journal=Middle East Journal|volume=66|issue=1|year=2012}} The peninsula's northernmost point is Ras Rakan.{{cite book|last=Bird|first=Eric|title=Encyclopedia of the World's Coastal Landforms|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mfo5TPb7SDsC&pg=PA1038|publisher=Springer|year=2010|page=1038|isbn=978-1-4020-8638-0}}

Qatar's maritime boundaries include a contiguous zone of {{convert|24|nmi|km mi|abbr=on|1|lk=in}}, an exclusive economic zone of {{convert|31,590|km2|mi2|0|abbr=on}} as determined by bilateral agreements, and {{convert|12|nmi|km mi|1|abbr=on}} of territorial sea. Maritime boundaries were ratified in April 1992 with Decree No. 40.{{cite journal|last1=Bugajski|first1=Dariusz R.|url=https://journals.pan.pl/Content/93397/mainfile.pdf|title=The Persian Gulf in the Light of the Law of the Sea|journal=Prawo Morskie|issue=XXXII|page=32|year=2016|issn=0860-7338}} The exclusive economic zone was declared in 1974.{{cite journal|last1=Bugajski|first1=Dariusz R.|url=https://journals.pan.pl/Content/93397/mainfile.pdf|title=The Persian Gulf in the Light of the Law of the Sea|journal=Prawo Morskie|issue=XXXII|page=26|year=2016|issn=0860-7338}}

Situated on the western shore of the Persian Gulf, the Qatari promontory extends longitudinally into the waters, affording it a strategic position for the interception of rain-bearing winds and the regulation of maritime currents in the south-western basin of the Persian Gulf. The extended coastline facilitates the exploitation of pearl banks and piscatorial resources while also providing access to subaqueous petroleum deposits. Aside from hosting large numbers of pearl beds yielding high quality pearls,{{cite web|url=https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/hb_result.php?country=qt&page=1|title=The pearling industry in Qatar|publisher=Museum With No Frontiers|accessdate=20 July 2024}} Qatari waters also host 48% of the coral reefs in the Persian Gulf.{{cite web|url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/17/10/2022/qatar-home-to-48-of-coral-reefs-in-arabian-gulf|title=Qatar home to 48% of coral reefs in Arabian Gulf|publisher=The Peninsula Qatar|date=17 October 2022|accessdate=21 May 2024}}

The Qatari coast is further distinguished by its manifold indentations, comprising both convex protrusions of land into the sea, such as Ras Laffan, and concave incursions of water into the terrestrial mass. Moreover, the littoral serves as a natural harbour and transit point for numerous vessels plying the waters of the Persian Gulf.

{{see also|List of islands of Qatar}}

Of the islands belonging to Qatar, Halul is the most important. Lying about {{convert|90|km|abbr=on}} east of Doha, it serves as a storage area and loading terminal for oil from the surrounding offshore fields. Hawar and the adjacent islands immediately off the west coast are the subject of a territorial dispute between Qatar and Bahrain.

The long summer (June through September) is characterized by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures exceeding {{convert|40|°C}}. Temperatures are moderate from November to March, ranging from as high as {{convert|39|°C}} in April to as low as {{convert|7|°C}} in January.Casey & Vine (1991), p. 69 Rainfall averages {{convert|100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} per year, confined to the winter months, and falling in brief storms which are occasionally heavy enough to flood the small ravines and the usually dry wadis.

Sudden, violent dust storms occasionally descend on the peninsula, blotting out the sun, causing wind damage, and temporarily disrupting transport and other services.

The scarcity of rainfall and the limited underground water, most of which has such a high mineral content that it is unsuitable for drinking or irrigation, severely restricted the population and the extent of agricultural and industrial development the country could support until desalination projects began. Although water continues to be provided from underground sources, most is obtained by desalination of seawater.

{{Weather box

|location = Doha (1962–2013, extremes 1962–2013)

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|Jan record high C = 32.4

|Feb record high C = 36.5

|Mar record high C = 41.5

|Apr record high C = 46.0

|May record high C = 47.7

|Jun record high C = 49.1

|Jul record high C = 50.4

|Aug record high C = 48.6

|Sep record high C = 46.2

|Oct record high C = 43.4

|Nov record high C = 38.0

|Dec record high C = 32.7

|year record high C =

|Jan high C = 22.0

|Feb high C = 23.4

|Mar high C = 27.3

|Apr high C = 32.5

|May high C = 38.8

|Jun high C = 41.6

|Jul high C = 41.9

|Aug high C = 40.9

|Sep high C = 38.9

|Oct high C = 35.4

|Nov high C = 29.6

|Dec high C = 24.4

|year high C =

|Jan mean C = 17.8

|Feb mean C = 18.9

|Mar mean C = 22.3

|Apr mean C = 27.1

|May mean C = 32.5

|Jun mean C = 35.1

|Jul mean C = 36.1

|Aug mean C = 35.5

|Sep mean C = 33.3

|Oct mean C = 30.0

|Nov mean C = 25.0

|Dec mean C = 20.0

|year mean C =

|Jan low C = 13.5

|Feb low C = 14.4

|Mar low C = 17.3

|Apr low C = 21.4

|May low C = 26.1

|Jun low C = 28.5

|Jul low C = 30.2

|Aug low C = 30.0

|Sep low C = 27.7

|Oct low C = 24.6

|Nov low C = 20.4

|Dec low C = 15.6

|year low C =

|Jan record low C = 3.8

|Feb record low C = 1.5

|Mar record low C = 8.2

|Apr record low C = 10.5

|May record low C = 15.2

|Jun record low C = 21.0

|Jul record low C = 23.5

|Aug record low C = 22.4

|Sep record low C = 20.3

|Oct record low C = 16.6

|Nov record low C = 11.8

|Dec record low C = 6.4

|year record low C =

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 13.2

|Feb precipitation mm = 17.1

|Mar precipitation mm = 16.1

|Apr precipitation mm = 8.7

|May precipitation mm = 3.6

|Jun precipitation mm = 0.0

|Jul precipitation mm = 0.0

|Aug precipitation mm = 0.0

|Sep precipitation mm = 0.0

|Oct precipitation mm = 1.1

|Nov precipitation mm = 3.3

|Dec precipitation mm = 12.1

|year precipitation mm =

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 1.7

|Feb precipitation days = 2.1

|Mar precipitation days = 1.8

|Apr precipitation days = 1.4

|May precipitation days = 0.2

|Jun precipitation days = 0.0

|Jul precipitation days = 0.0

|Aug precipitation days = 0.0

|Sep precipitation days = 0.0

|Oct precipitation days = 0.1

|Nov precipitation days = 0.2

|Dec precipitation days = 1.3

|year precipitation days =

|Jan humidity = 74

|Feb humidity = 70

|Mar humidity = 63

|Apr humidity = 53

|May humidity = 44

|Jun humidity = 41

|Jul humidity = 50

|Aug humidity = 58

|Sep humidity = 62

|Oct humidity = 63

|Nov humidity = 66

|Dec humidity = 74

|year humidity =

|Jan sun = 244.9

|Feb sun = 224.0

|Mar sun = 241.8

|Apr sun = 273.0

|May sun = 325.5

|Jun sun = 342.0

|Jul sun = 325.5

|Aug sun = 328.6

|Sep sun = 306.0

|Oct sun = 303.8

|Nov sun = 276.0

|Dec sun = 241.8

|year sun =

|Jand sun = 7.9

|Febd sun = 8.0

|Mard sun = 7.8

|Aprd sun = 9.1

|Mayd sun = 10.5

|Jund sun = 11.4

|Juld sun = 10.5

|Augd sun = 10.6

|Sepd sun = 10.2

|Octd sun = 9.8

|Novd sun = 9.2

|Decd sun = 7.8

|yeard sun =

|source 1 = NOAA{{cite web

| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/QR/41170.TXT

| title = Doha International Airport Climate Normals 1962-1992

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171011210321/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/QR/41170.TXT

| archive-date = 2017-10-11

| url-status = dead

| access-date = September 29, 2016}}

|source 2 = Qatar Meteorological Department (Climate Normals 1962–2013){{cite web

| url = http://www.qweather.gov.qa/ClimateInfo.aspx

| title = Climate Information For Doha

| publisher = Qatar Meteorological Department

| language = en

| access-date = November 27, 2016

| archive-date = November 27, 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161127220143/http://www.qweather.gov.qa/ClimateInfo.aspx

}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?ind=41170&ano=2021&mes=3&day=19&hora=0&min=0&ndays=30 |title=41170: Doha International Airport (Qatar) |author= |date= 19 March 2021|website=ogimet.com |publisher=OGIMET |access-date= 19 March 2021|quote=}}}}

Image:Qatar Topography.png

The peninsula of Qatar is low-lying. Its shape is the surface expression of the anticlinal Qatar Arch,{{cite journal|url=http://www.qscience.com/doi/pdf/10.5339/qfarf.2012.EEP4|title=What's up with Qatar? How eustasy and neotectonics influenced the late Pleistocene and Holocene sea-level history of Qatar|publisher=ExxonMobil Research Qatar |author=Jeremy Jameson |author2=Christian Strohmenger |journal=Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Proceedings|year=2012|issue=2012|pages=EEP4|doi=10.5339/qfarf.2012.EEP4|access-date=17 July 2015}} formed during the Precambrian Amar Collision about {{Ma|640|620}}.{{Cite book |last=Hosani |first=Khalid Al |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7KZ4ecpMp_sC&pg=PA296 |title=Lithosphere Dynamics and Sedimentary Basins: The Arabian Plate and Analogues |last2=Roure |first2=Francois |last3=ELLISON |first3=Richard |last4=LOKIER |first4=Stephen |date=2012-09-14 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-3-642-29278-1 |language=en}} It is enveloped by loose sand and pebbles broken off the outcropping limestone. Smooth plains covered by fine-grained dust are found in the east, while the south and south-west portions of the peninsula mainly comprise sand dunes and salt flats (locally known as sabkhas), particularly near Mesaieed and Khor Al Adaid.{{cite book|last=Abdul Nayeem|first=Muhammad|title=Qatar Prehistory and Protohistory from the Most Ancient Times (Ca. 1,000,000 to End of B.C. Era)|publisher=Hyderabad Publishers|page=2|year=1998|isbn=978-81-85492-04-9}} Sakbahs can also be found in western Qatar, near Dukhan and Sawda Natheel. Hill ranges (jebels) can be found in western Qatar near Dukhan and at Jebel Fuwayrit on the northeast coast.{{cite web|url=http://www.mme.gov.qa/cui/view.dox?id=954&contentID=1409&siteID=2|title=About Qatar|publisher=Ministry of Municipality and Environment|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002733/http://www.mme.gov.qa/cui/view.dox?id=954&contentID=1409&siteID=2|url-status=dead}} For purposes of categorization, the country is divided into five principal regions: coastal plain, interior plain, central belt, Dukhan region, and southern desert.

The littoral of Qatar, extending some {{convert|650|km}} from Abu Samra to Khor Al Adaid via Ar Ru'ays, is emergent and characterized by recent geological formations. The western coast from Abu Samra to Ras Dukhan is relatively straight, while northward to Ar Ru'ays is indented with circular and oblong water incursions. The eastern coast is broader, with elevations increasing eastward from Dohah Al Husain. Many flat, low-lying offshore islands are located near the coast and are accompanied by coral reefs. As a result of salt water coming into contact with the low-lying land, many salt flats (known locally as sabkhas) have formed near the coast.

File:Qatar, Simaisma (12), desert.jpg, located in the southern section of the interior plain region]]

Commencing at the inland margins of the coastal strip, this region is demarcated in the north by the Al Mafjar-Abu Dhalouf line. It broadens considerably southward, with its northern sector spanning {{convert|18.5|km}} between Al-ʽAdhbah and Ar Rakiyat, while its southern base between Umm Al Qahab and Al Suwaihliya measures {{convert|46.5|km}}. The surface is studded with eleven closed basins. The northern sector is relatively flat, while the central sector, between Fuwayrit and Rawdat Al Faras, exhibits more complex topography with elevations ranging from {{convert|11|m}} to {{convert|21|m}}.

===Central belt===

This zone aligns with Qatar's primary north-south oriented dome. It is distinguished by its topographical diversity, with elevations ranging from {{convert|31|m}} to {{convert|49|m}} above sea level. The surface is uneven, with circular or rectangular hills along the western borders reaching heights of {{convert|41|m}} to {{convert|49|m}}. Fourteen closed basins are scattered throughout, smaller in the east within the Rus Formation and larger in the west within the Dammam Formation. The highest points are found in the hills southeast of Al Jemailiya and to the west of the Al Jemailiya-Ash-Shahaniyah road.

===Dukhan region===

File:Rawdat Jarrah separating Dukhan Sabkha from Bay of Zekreet.jpg]]

Occupying the greater part of Qatar's western flank, this area extends {{convert|87|km}} from Ras Abrouq in the north to An Nakhsh in the south. It is characterized by complex structural units, with elevations reaching {{convert|92|m}} at Khashm An-Nakhsh and depressions as low as {{convert|-5|m}} below sea level in the Dukhan Sabkha. This sabkha, the largest inland salt flat in the Persian Gulf, runs for approximately {{convert|20|km}}, occupies an area of {{convert|73|km2|abbr=on}},{{cite journal|url=https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsta.2010.0101|title=Raman spectroscopy of the Dukhan sabkha: identification of geological and biogeological molecules in an extreme environment|author1=Howell G. M. Edwards |author2=Fadhil Sadooni |author3=Petr Vítek |author4=Jan Jehlička |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences|volume=368|publisher=Royal Society Publishing|date=13 July 2010|issue=1922|pages=3099–3107|doi=10.1098/rsta.2010.0101|pmid=20529947|bibcode=2010RSPTA.368.3099E |s2cid=7262453|access-date=23 February 2019|doi-access=free|hdl=10576/47356|hdl-access=free}} and accommodates the lowest point of Qatar at {{convert|-6|m}} below sea level.{{cite journal|url=https://eurekamag.com/pdf/012/012125301.pdf|title=Geologic Evolution of the Dukhan salt flats in Western Qatar Peninsula, Arabian Gulf|last1=Sadiq|first1=Abdulali M.|journal=Qatar University Science Journal|issue=23|pages=41–58|year=2003|access-date=23 February 2019}} Jebel Nakhsh, a notable mountain ridge south of Dukhan, contains substantial deposits of gypsum.{{cite web |url=https://www.academia.edu/19304718|title=A Historical Account of the Stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle-East (1816 to 2015) |website=Academia |author=Jacques Leblanc|page=73|date=December 2015|access-date=23 February 2019}}

===Southern desert===

File:Dunes at Khawr al Udayd in 2004.jpg]]

This region occupies 34.7% of Qatar's total area, south of Doha's latitude. It bears topographical similitude to the desert areas of Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, with undulating sand dunes interspersed with rocky hamada surfaces. It is divided into four sub-regions:

1. Al Urayq: A triangular area in the extreme west, with its apex at Abu Samra. Its northern side aligns with the southern extremity of the Doha-Abu Samra road, and its southern side follows the border line from Abu Samra towards the southeast.
2. Miocene-Tiwar: Characterized by isolated hills amidst a rocky plain. The hills reach a maximum of {{convert|103|m}} and include Qatar's highest point, Qurayn Abu al Bawl. This sub-region is concentrated in the southwestern part of the Qatar Peninsula, including areas like Mukaynis, Al Kharrara, and Wadi Jallal.
3. Rocky surfaces: Consisting of expanses of exposed bedrock, often weathered into flat, stony plains known as desert pavements. The surface may be covered by a mosaic of closely packed pebbles and rock fragments, or in some places by a thin layer of indurated mineral deposits forming a hard crust. This sub-region is divided into two units: one shaped like a trapezoid bounded by the water pipeline passing through Abu Nakhla to Mesaieed, and another extending from Umm Jawlaq southeastward through Al Khubayb, Al Fulayhah, and Umm Al Hayran to Khor Al Adaid.
4. Sand dunes: Occupying 1.6% of Qatar's area, with dunes reaching heights of {{convert|38|m}} to {{convert|67|m}}. Interspersed among the dunes are numerous closed basins with floors varying in elevation from {{convert|19|m}} to {{convert|34|m}} metres above sea level, resulting in an undulating topography. The northern boundary of this sub-region aligns with the latitude of Umm Owaina.

File:Fossilized dugong bones in sabkha in southwest Qatar.jpg in southwest Qatar]]

The peninsula is notable for its sabkhas, or salt flats, of which the two distinct varieties are coastal and inland. The coastal sabkhas, more prevalent on the eastern seaboard, encompass an area of approximately {{convert|75|km2|abbr=on}}. These coastal formations rarely exceed an elevation of {{convert|1|m}} to {{convert|2|m}} metres above sea level, with some portions lying below the waterline. Consequently, during exceptionally high tides, often exacerbated by strong easterly winds, seawater may inundate these low-lying areas.

Inland sabkhas, while less common, are of significant geological interest. A prominent example, Dukhan Sabkha, lies 3 kilometres east of Jebel Dukhan and south of the Bay of Zekreet. This depression, covering {{convert|73|km2|abbr=on}}, is largely situated below sea level and contains the lowest point in Qatar at {{convert|-6|m}} below the sea's surface.{{cite journal|url=https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsta.2010.0101|title=Raman spectroscopy of the Dukhan sabkha: identification of geological and biogeological molecules in an extreme environment|author1=Howell G. M. Edwards |author2=Fadhil Sadooni |author3=Petr Vítek |author4=Jan Jehlička |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences|volume=368|publisher=Royal Society Publishing|date=13 July 2010|issue=1922 |pages=3099–3107 |doi=10.1098/rsta.2010.0101 |pmid=20529947 |bibcode=2010RSPTA.368.3099E |s2cid=7262453 |access-date=23 February 2019|doi-access=free |hdl=10576/47356 |hdl-access=free }} It stretches 24 kilometres from north to south and {{convert|6|km}} from east to west.{{cite thesis|last1=Alsheeb|first1=Ali I. M.|url=https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43167/Download/0043167-02082018162551.pdf|title=Coastal geomorphology of the Qatar Peninsula|year=1988|publisher=Swansea University|pages=29–30|type=Thesis}} A second notable inland sabkha complex straddles the borders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This formation comprises three discrete areas: Sawda Natheel to the south, Jawa Salama to the west, and Al Khufus to the east. These sabkhas, mostly subsea in elevation, collectively span an area of {{convert|25|km2|abbr=on}}.

File:A depression (rawda) near Jebel Jassasiya in northern Qatar.jpg near Jebel Jassasiya in northern Qatar]]

The surface of the Qatar Peninsula is punctuated by numerous small depressions, referred to as rawda or the plural riyadh. These formations present as enclosed basins, save for those in the south-central region which may be open on one or more sides. The morphology of these depressions is diverse, ranging from circular to elongated forms, with some exhibiting irregular platforms. The scale of these depressions also varies widely. The most extensive, such as the Almajdah Depression, stretch for several kilometres, while the smallest span mere tens of metres. Their formation is primarily attributed to the dissolution of surface limestone by rainwater runoff, a process that has been active across much of the peninsula.{{cite thesis|last1=Alsheeb|first1=Ali I. M.|url=https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43167/Download/0043167-02082018162551.pdf|title=Coastal geomorphology of the Qatar Peninsula|year=1988|publisher=Swansea University|page=30|type=Thesis}}

Dry valleys, known as wadis, are featured most prominently in Qatar's northern region and the vicinity of Jebel Dukhan. They are characterised by their internal drainage systems, which terminate in shallow depressions rarely exceeding 2 to 3 metres in depth. While they may extend for several kilometres in length, they maintain a remarkably narrow profile, with a width invariably less than 100 metres.

File:Qatar, Zekreet (Bir Zekrit)(8), desert.jpg]]

The peninsula features several low hills scattered throughout its western and southern regions. Notable among these is Jebel Dukhan, a series of convex hillocks extending {{convert|80|km}} north-south along the west coast. The peninsula's terrain also features distinctive flat-topped hills, formed by horizontal strata capped with relatively hard rock. These formations exhibit steep, often concave or stepped slopes, shaped by varying degrees of rock resistance.{{cite thesis|last1=Alsheeb|first1=Ali I. M.|url=https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43167/Download/0043167-02082018162551.pdf|title=Coastal geomorphology of the Qatar Peninsula|year=1988|publisher=Swansea University|page=32|type=Thesis}}

Topographical features range from small, conical hills—where the resistant rock cap has eroded—to more extensive mesa-like formations. Elevation varies considerably; in the Zekreet Peninsula and near Al Khor, the hills are {{convert|10|m}} to {{convert|15|m}} above sea level. The southern hills are much taller, with Qatar's highest point, Qurayn Abu al Bawl (also known as Tuwayyir Al Hamir) being over {{convert|100|m}} above sea level.

{{Main|Wildlife of Qatar}}

File:Palm tree cluster near Umm Bab beach.jpgs growing near Umm Bab in western Qatar]]

{{Main|Flora of Qatar}}

Although most of the country consists of sand deserts, a small part of the country houses different vegetation zones, where trees, reeds and shrubs like tamarind, phragmites, and mace can grow. These regions are mostly to the east, near the coast. The inherent limiting factor for vegetation growth is water availability. Certain geographical features partially alleviate this water scarcity, such as rawdas, which are large depressions found on the soil surface and which help recharge the aquifers.{{cite conference|last1=Macumber|first1=Phillip G.|url=https://www.academia.edu/26738311|title=Water Heritage in Qatar|book-title=Cultural Heritages of Water: Thematic Study on The Cultural Heritages of Water in the Middle East and Maghreb|conference=UNESCO World Heritage Convention|publisher=UNESCO|website=academia.edu|page=223|year=2015|access-date=21 February 2019}} As these sites constitute the most easily obtainable sources of shallow groundwater, they are also among the areas most abundant in wild vegetation.{{cite conference|last1=Macumber|first1=Phillip G.|url=https://www.academia.edu/26738311|title=Water Heritage in Qatar|book-title=Cultural Heritages of Water: Thematic Study on The Cultural Heritages of Water in the Middle East and Maghreb|conference=UNESCO World Heritage Convention|publisher=UNESCO|website=academia.edu|page=226|year=2015|access-date=21 February 2019}}

In the south, where groundwater is exceedingly scarce, vegetation can found growing in wadis (dry river valleys) fed by run-off from nearby hills and in rawdas.{{cite conference|last1=Macumber|first1=Phillip G.|url=https://www.academia.edu/26738311|title=Water Heritage in Qatar|book-title=Cultural Heritages of Water: Thematic Study on The Cultural Heritages of Water in the Middle East and Maghreb|conference=UNESCO World Heritage Convention|publisher=UNESCO|website=academia.edu|page=227|year=2015|access-date=21 February 2019}}

File:A mountain goat at Haloul Island.jpg]]

{{Main|Fauna of Qatar}}

There are 21 species of mammals that have been recorded in Qatar.{{cite web|url=http://www.enature.qa/kingdom/mammals/|title=Mammals database|publisher=Qatar e-nature|access-date=21 February 2019}} Larger terrestrial mammals such as the Arabian oryx and Arabian gazelle are protected animals and are held in nature reserves.{{cite book|last1=Casey|first1=Paula|last2=Vine|first2=Peter|title=The heritage of Qatar|url=https://archive.org/details/heritageofqatar00vinerich|url-access=registration|publisher=Immel Publishing|year=1992|pages=[https://archive.org/details/heritageofqatar00vinerich/page/103 103]|isbn=978-0-907151-50-0 }} The Arabian gazelle is the only native gazelle species to Qatar and is locally referred to as 'rheem'.{{cite web|url=http://awwp.alwabra.com/?p=1211|title=Arabian Goitered Gazelle (Reem)|publisher=Al Waabra Wildlife Preservation|access-date=21 February 2019}}

Qatar's territorial waters in the Persian Gulf are rich in marine life. Sea turtles nest en masse on the coastline from Fuwayrit to Ras Laffan. The Ministry of Environment (MME) carries out routine patrols of nesting areas to ensure their conservation.{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276027234|title=Qatar Turtle Management Project: Inception report|website=researchgate.net|last1=Rees|first1=Alan F.|last2=Zogaris|first2=Stamatis|last3=Papathanasopoulou|first3=Nancy|last4=Vidalis|first4=Aris|last5=Alhafez|first5=Ali|publisher=Ministry of Environment (Qatar)|date=April 2013|access-date=21 February 2019}} Dugongs are known to congregate off the country's coasts. In the course of a study being carried out in 1986 and 1999 on the Persian Gulf, the largest-ever group sightings were made of more than 600 individuals to the west of Qatar.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vR4fAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA280|title=Sustainable Development: An Appraisal from the Gulf Region|author=Paul Sillitoe|publisher=Berghahn Books|page=280|date=1 August 2014|isbn=978-1-78238-372-7}}

File:Nakhsh mountain in Qatar.jpg (Nakhsh Mountain)]]

File:Hillock at northern end of Al Khor Island.jpg]]

Most of Qatar's surface lies on Cenozoic strata. These strata have an abundance of mineral resources, most of which have not yet been exploited, such as limestone and clay.{{cite book|last=Al-Kubaisi|first=Mohammed Ali M.|title=Industrial development in Qatar: a geographical assessment|url=http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/7144/1/7144_4326.PDF?UkUDh:CyT|publisher=Durham E-Theses, Durham University|year=1984|pages=10–11}} The Upper Dammam Formation in the Middle Eocene period is the most predominant surface layer. It is constituted by limestone and Dolomite.{{cite journal|last=Al-Saad|first=Hamad|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222367100|title=Lithostratigraphy of the Middle Eocene Dammam Formation in Qatar, Arabian Gulf: effects of sea-level fluctuations along a tidal environment|journal=Journal of Asian Earth Sciences|year=2015|page=Abstract|access-date=27 July 2015|doi=10.1016/j.jseaes.2004.07.009|volume=25|issue=5}} The northern zone of Qatar, which comprises the most significant source of fresh groundwater in the peninsula, primarily draws its water from the Umm Err Radhuma Formation and Rus Formation dating to the Paleocene and Lower Eocene periods, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://waterinventory.org/groundwater/umm-er-radhuma-dammam-aquifer-system-centre|title=Umm er Radhuma-Dammam Aquifer System (Centre)|publisher=Inventory of Shared Water Resources in Western Asia|access-date=27 July 2015}} The Mesozoic strata are the most important layers as they contain petroleum. The first substantial deposit of crude oil was discovered in 1940 in the Jurassic period Arab Formation.{{cite book|last=Al-Kubaisi|first=Mohammed Ali M.|title=Industrial development in Qatar: a geographical assessment|url=http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/7144/1/7144_4326.PDF?UkUDh:CyT|publisher=Durham E-Theses, Durham University|year=1984|page=11}}

{{main|Agriculture in Qatar}}

File:Water Stress, Top Countries (2020).svg

Based on 2011 estimates, 5.6% of the land is agricultural. Arable land comprises 1.1%, permanent crops 0.2% and permanent pasture 4.6%.{{Fix|text=Doesn't add to 5.6%.}} 94.4% of the land was used for other uses.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/qatar/|title=Geography|publisher=CIA World Factbook|access-date=17 July 2015}} {{CIA World Factbook}} In 2003, {{convert|129.4|km2|abbr=on}} of land was irrigated.

Severe conditions, such as extremely high temperatures and lack of water and fertile soil, hinder increased agricultural production. Orthents, the predominant soil type in the peninsula, accounting for approximately 1,020,000 ha, are unfavorable for crop cultivation because of their extreme shallowness.{{cite book|last=Al-Kubaisi|first=Mohammed Ali M.|title=Industrial development in Qatar: a geographical assessment|url=http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/7144/1/7144_4326.PDF?UkUDh:CyT|publisher=Durham E-Theses, Durham University|year=1984|page=15}} The limited groundwater that permits agriculture in some areas is being depleted so rapidly that saltwater is encroaching and making the soil inhospitable to all but the most salt-resistant crops.

Image:Qatar sandstorm.JPG

The capital, Doha, is located on the central east coast on a sweeping (if shallow) harbor. Other ports include Umm Said, Al Khawr, and Al Wakrah. Only Doha and Umm Said are capable of handling commercial shipping, although a large port and a terminal for loading natural gas are planned at Ras Laffan Industrial City, north of Al Khawr. Coral reefs and shallow coastal waters make navigation difficult in areas where channels have not been dredged.

Doha is the capital of the country and the major administrative, commercial, and population center. In 1993 it was linked to other towns and development sites by a system of about {{convert|1,000|km|abbr=on}} of paved roads. Doha's international airport has an approximately {{convert|4,500|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} main runway, capable of receiving all kinds of aircraft.

Historically, settlement distribution in Qatar has mainly been dictated by the presence of obtainable fresh groundwater. Rawdas, which are depressions with shallow groundwater, have typically been the most popular sites of settlement throughout the peninsula. In Qatar's south, where groundwater is exceedingly difficult to obtain, settlement formation was mostly limited to wadis (dry river valleys) fed by run-off from nearby hills and rawdas.

Qatar is currently party to the following international environmental agreements:

• Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Desertification
• Hazardous Wastes
• Law of the Sea
• Ozone Layer Protection

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|ref=Casey & Vine|last1=Casey|first1=Paula|last2=Vine|first2=Peter|title=The heritage of Qatar|publisher=Immel Publishing|year=1991|edition=print|isbn=978-0-907151-50-0|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/heritageofqatar00vinerich}}

{{commonscat|Geography of Qatar}}

{{commonscat|Geology of Qatar}}

• {{WWF ecoregion|name=East of Qatar|id=pa1323}}

{{Qatar topics}}

{{Asia in topic|Geography of}}

{{Asia topic|Climate of}}