Dahl Al Misfir

Dahl Al Misfir Cave

Dahl Al Misfir is a cavern that is a natural landmark located near Rawdat Rashid in central Qatar, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) southwest of Doha.[1][2]

Description

The cave contains fibrous gypsum crystals, which gives its interior a faint phosphorescent glow.[3] Its depth is anywhere from 40 meters[3] to at least 100 meters.[4] The entrance is approximately 12 x 4.5 meters and its gypsum crystals derive from the Lower Dammam Formation and Rus Formation.[4]

Its exact age is unknown, but sediment analysis suggests it is younger than the surrounding Eocene limestone formations, estimated to be between 40 and 50 million years old.[5]

Tourism

The site is fenced off but non-ticketed and open to the public.[6] It has emerged as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and families, particularly during national holidays.[7]

In November 2022, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), in cooperation with Qatar Museums and ExxonMobil Research Qatar, reopened the site following the first comprehensive geological survey of the cave. The rehabilitation project included the installation of safe access paths, protective barriers, shaded rest areas, and an educational signboard with a cave map accessible via QR code.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Dahl Al Misfir Cave Archived 2015-12-22 at the Wayback Machine Qatar Tourism
  2. ^ What caves are in Qatar? USAToday
  3. ^ a b Caves Qatar Digest
  4. ^ a b Abdulali M. Sadiq & Sobhi J. Nasir (2002). "Middle Pleistocene karst evolution in the State of Qatar, Arabian Gulf" (PDF). Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. 64 (2): 132–139. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  5. ^ "Dahl Al Misfir Cave". Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  6. ^ "Qatar's largest and deepest natural cave is open to public". Qatar Tribune. QNA. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Dahl Al Misfir cave emerges as popular tourist destination during holidays". The Peninsula. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Eco-tourism site Dahl Al Misfir Cave opens in Qatar". The Peninsula. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2025.

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