Ten lagoons in the region, collectively referred to as Al Karanaa Lagoon, cover an area of more than 4 km2, and following their establishment in 2006, they had severe environmental problems because of the removal of untreated wastewater released by tankers. The neighboring Al Karaana Treatment Plant releases more than 200,000 m3 of processed wastewater daily.
Despite the lagoon’s environmental problems, a preliminary biological investigation conducted by Qatari officials found that it was packed with species. Six fragile bird species were among the over 55 cataloged, along with four mammal species, two reptile species, and several fish species—the latter brought to the region by birds.
Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ reports that since 2006, “it had been used to receive about 6,000 cubic meters of industrial wastewater every day, resulting in the accumulation of Lagoons with sediments and solids at their bottoms, and the development of a polluted layer (sludge) up to 3.5 meters thick in certain places.
The History of Al Karanna
Al Karaana was mentioned as a rest point in 1917 along the Hofuf to Doha route and had a 150-foot-deep, productive masonry well. In 1934, the Royal Air Force considered building a landing strip at Al Karaana for its fleet. According to S.F. Vincent, the course was then established from Raiyan to Kara’ana. Some water holes were found in the northeastern of Al Karaana but none in the southwestern.
An excellent well and several neighboring structures were found at Kara’ana. It was thought the region immediately south of them would make a decent landing place if labor were used to remove camel-thorn and tiny plants.
An area of vegetation with a sizable well was seen to have significantly sunk near Sabsab, about 2 miles southeast of Kara’ana. The route from Kara’ana to Salwa passed through a dry and rocky terrain, making a successful forced landing quite challenging.
National Master Plan of Qatar for Al Kaarana
The District Center for Al Kaarana will be built near the village’s hub. The private Engineering Office, located in Qatar, will renovate the historic center. The significance of the community comes from the fact that it is the first sizable settlement south of Abu Samra.
This is also a vulnerability because it is cut off from many essential public services and the established Doha transportation system due to its remoteness. The development of a hamlet with excellent road connection and pedestrian accessibility has been emphasized.
Top 3 Attractions near the Al Karaana
1. Umm Bab Clay Quarry
Umm Bab Clay Quarry may not be aesthetically pleasing in the traditional sense, yet it has breathtaking views. After decades of mining, the quarry has evolved into a primarily arid terrain with deep ditches and tall hills. Although Umm Bab is most well-known for its beach, it has historically significant commerce. The Qatar National Cement Company established its operations here in 1965 and is still strong today.
2. Musfur Sinkhole
It is thought that the Musfur Sinkhole created 325,000–500,000 years ago. The hole, roughly 40 feet wide and extending more than 300 feet down, is the biggest in Qatar. In this enormous cave, unlike many sinkholes, there are no bats, yet migrating birds frequently construct their nests high up the jagged strata of limestone and gypsum.
The old sinkhole is also teeming with Qatari native bugs. Still, they are far more numerous than usual, suggesting that the ecology inside the hole differs significantly from the one found on the surface.
3. Inland Sea
The Inland Sea is a Persian Gulf marine inlet that separates Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The water is saltier than the adjacent gulf because of the limited rainfall and high temperatures. During the 1800s, pirates from Abu Dhabi sought sanctuary in the very salty body of water.
Even the untrained eye can tell that anyone attempting to traverse the shallow seas would require unique nautical abilities and familiarity with the unfamiliar area. The pirates were extremely safe while they were within the inlet since they were familiar with the region and were skilled navigators.
Some tips to know
- It’s recommended not to go after sundown.
- The distance to the closest gas station is 33 minutes.
- It’s better to have food and drinks before you go.
Conclusion
Al Karaana Lagoon was once a place for industrial waste to be dumped, but it has now been cleaned up and turned into a lovely oasis. The word “lagoon” comes from the Arabic word “karaa,” which meaning “rainwater” or “freshwater.” Al Karaana was given its name in honor of a nearby spring that produced extraordinarily pure water.
It is a fantastic location for photography and a terrific site to observe a variety of birds, fish, and plants. Al Karaana can be accessed in a sedan, albeit some off-roading is necessary. This is wonderful because most hidden treasures outside of Doha require a 4×4 to view them.
