Al Thakhira (Arabic: الذخيره, romanized: Adh Dhakhīrah, lit. 'Ammunition') is a town on the coast of the Al Khor municipality in Qatar, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) northeast of the city of Al Khor City and 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the capital Doha. Al Thakhira is closely affiliated with Al Khor City, both having been founded by the Al Muhannadi tribe. Like other coastal settlements in the area, its inhabitants historically relied solely on pearling and fishing for sustenance.
Etymology
Al Thakhira translates to 'ammunition' in English. There are two prevalent theories regarding the origin of this name. The first theory states that its inhabitants used to keep large reserves of food, money and weapons. Another theory opines that the town was named by a group of sailors who had lost their bearings. After finding and docking at Al Thakhira, they set out to look for food, taking with them their weapons and ammunition.[4]
Alternative forms of the name include Ad Dhakhīrah,[5] Adh Dhukhayr,[6] and Al Zakhira.
A village on the east coast of Qatar, situated on a khor or inlet of the same name about 30 miles north of Doha, and consisting of about 300 houses of the Mahandah (Al Muhannadi) tribe. The people are all pearl-divers, following no other occupation except fishing and owning no flocks or herds. Fifteen pearl boats [manned by 180 men], two other sea-going boats of the mushuwah type and five fishing boats are owned at Dhakhira. Transport animals are 10 camels. Drinking water is from Lubwairdah, 2 miles to the north-west.[7]
In July 1985, the government announced it had begun a campaign to distribute fresh water to rural villages in Qatar suffering from water shortages. As part of this campaign, over QAR 900,000 was allocated towards water distribution in Al Thakhira.[8]
Geography
Mangrove forest in Al Thakhira
Together with Al Khor City, roughly 1,392 hectares of mangroves are found just off the coast, making the coastline between Al Thakhira and Al Khor City the most densely populated mangrove habitat in Qatar.[9] Other common vegetation found in Al Thakhira include mature shrubs of the Taverniera genus including aelijaan (Taverniera spartea)[10] and dahseer (Taverniera aegyptiaca).[11]
In a 2010 survey of Al Thakhira's coastal waters conducted by the Qatar Statistics Authority, the average depth was recorded as 4.7 meters (15 ft) and average pH was 8.07. The waters had a salinity of 49.04 psu, an average temperature of 24.66°C and 6.64 mg/L of dissolved oxygen.[12]
Al Thakhira Reserve
The area is home to Al Thakhira Nature Reserve, which encompasses the small island mangrove-covered island of Umm Far, parts of the coastline, and multiple wadis and sabkhas. Mangroves are very common, extending throughout the reserve for about 14 square kilometers, and it is one of the few areas of Qatar to boast natural tree growth.[13] It was designated as a nature reserve by the government in 2006.[14]
Development
A rendering of the new commercial district made in 2014
RRC STUDIO Architects Milan was behind a project to expand Al Thakhira two-fold in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. As part of the project, 275,000 m² of new commercial and residential infrastructure was created. Protected areas for mangroves in the town's north and south sectors were also designated.[15]
Administration
When free elections of the Central Municipal Council first took place in Qatar during 1999,[16] Al Thakhira was designated the seat of constituency no. 27.[17] It would remain the headquarters of constituency no. 27 for the next three consecutive elections until the fifth municipal elections in 2015, when it was made the headquarters of constituency no. 26. Also included in its constituency is part of Simaisma, Umm Birka, and Ras Laffan.[18] In the inaugural municipal elections in 1999, Ali Hassan Al-Mohannadi won the elections, receiving 34.4%, or 65 votes. The runner-up candidate was Salem Abdullah Al-Shahwani, whose share of the votes was 19.3%, or 42 votes. Voter turnout was 90.5%.[17] Al-Mohannadi retained his seat in the 2002[19] and 2007 elections.[20] In 2011, Hamad Lahan Al Mohannadi was elected,[21] and retained his position in the 2015 elections.[18]
Al Thakhira recorded the highest voter turnout percentage at 73.8% in the 2019 municipal elections.[22]
Landmarks
Al Thakhira Mosque
Close-up view of Al Thakhira Mosque in 2021
The town is notable for its historic mosque, which dates back to 1870.[23] In 2015, the Private Engineering Office conducted a major restoration project on the mosque.[24]
Harbor
Fardhat Al Thakhira Harbor serves the town's fishing industry, of which there are plans to expand in the near future as of 2017.[25]
Beach
Al Thakhira Beach
Al Thakhira Beach is one of the largest tourist attractions in the town. Running for approximately 10 km, much of its coast is made up of sabkhas (salt flats). Salt-resistant mangroves grow abundantly along its coast. It is a popular spot for bird watchers.[26] Furthermore, it is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.[27] Sea-turtles are known to regularly nest on this beach during late Spring and early Summer.[28] It is one of the best-preserved beaches in Qatar and receives periodic renovations and cleanups under the auspices of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME).[29]
In March 2019, the 1,800 meter-long and two meter-wide Al Thakhira Walkway was opened alongside the beach. The promenade features a 1,250 m² playground, 93 light poles, dozens of seating areas and a 2,000 meter-long cycle route.[30]
Parks
In 2009, a major park was opened in Al Thakhira covering an area of 14,580 m².[31] Sharq Garden, a public park, was inaugurated in March 2019. It spans an area of 4,841 m², of which about 3,500 m² comprises vegetated areas. A footpath stretching for 320 meters and with a width of two meters runs through the park.[30]
Sports
Al Thakhira has its own amateur football league.[32] In 2005, Al Thakhira FC was formed and has competed in the QFA-sanctioned Qatar Amateur League since 2013.[32]
A recreational facility known as Al Dhakhira Club was established in 1997.[33] The club hosts a barbershop, a south-east Asian restaurant, a children's play area, a lounge and several sports courts.[34] Also nestled in the town is Al Thakhira Youth Center, an affiliate of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.[35] It was established in 2006.[36]
Ali bin Khamis Al Mohannadi; Ali Al Mannai & Ali Abdullah Al Fayadh (2005). ذاكرة الذخيرة (Memory of Al Thakhira) (in Arabic). Doha: National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Al Dhakhira.
