Dahl Al Misfir. Photo Credit: Visitqatar.com
Doha: In the Middle of Qatar lies one of the most exciting and easily accessible natural sites - Dahl Al Misfir Sinkhole. Located west of Doha, at 40 meters deep, it is said to be the largest and deepest sinkhole that has been discovered in Qatar. Formed largely of fibrous gypsum, it sometimes gives off a faint, otherworldly glow.
Dahl Al Misfir is believed to have been formed 325,000 to 500,000 years ago during the mid-Pleistocene Era. Known for emitting a moon-like glow, this phosphorescence is the result of gypsum deposits found in the centre of the peninsula. These give rise to the geological phenomena known as ‘desert roses’ (clusters of roughly rose-shaped gypsum crystals).
National Museum of Qatar’s (NMoQ) Gift Shops, intricately made of 40,000 pieces of wooden panel, is inspired by the natural charm of the Dahl Al Misfir.
Recently the CNN had made report about the natural phenomenon and said, “this is Musfur, a massive ancient cavern believed to be the deepest accessible sinkhole to have been discovered in Qatar.”
“Reaching the sandy depths of the sinkhole is relatively easy, but visitors should be vigilant as they scramble down the steep and rugged passage. Hiking boots are a must but be extra careful not to step on the insects crawling through the rocks,” the CNN added.
The drive to Dahl Al Misfir involves off-road driving from Salwa Road and Rawdat Rashed Road, best done on a 4x4 vehicle. The site is not ticketed, although it is enclosed by a fence. Visitors should dress appropriately as the temperature tends to drop the deeper one goes into the cave. Footwear suitable for hiking is recommended as the cave comprises of rocks.
Birdwatchers can look for nightjars, wagtails, bee-eaters, Eurasian hoopoes and more, as they pass through or sometimes remain in Qatar enroute to Africa.
