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Jazirat Bin Ghannam
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historical-site
Jazirat Bin Ghannam, also known as the 'Purple Island', is an island near Al Khor on the east coast of Qatar. Contrary to its name, the island is not purple; the name derives from an ancient purple dye production industry that operated here in the 2nd millennium BC. Kassites who settled in the region extracted the dye from thousands of sea snails. This makes the island one of the oldest known production sites for this precious dye in the region. In addition to this early history, the island was also used in later periods, including as a temporary outpost for fishermen and pearl divers in the late Islamic era. Archaeological finds include pottery, tools, and large piles of crushed snail shells. The island is now accessible via a causeway and is a popular recreational spot, featuring mangrove forests and rich birdlife.
- Location: Qatar
- Nearby: Al Khor (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 19 | 22 | 27 | 32 | 35 | 36 | 36 | 34 | 30 | 25 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 9 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghannam) is an archaeological site that can be visited freely. As it is an island, it is only reachable on foot during low tide or by boat.
Typical hours
As it is an open site, there are no fixed visiting hours. The best time to visit is during low tide, which you should check in advance using tide charts.
Photography
Photography is allowed all over the island. The remains of purple dye production and the mangroves make unique subjects, especially in good light.
Time needed
A visit to the island typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how much you explore. The walk to and from the island takes an additional 30 minutes.
Combine with
Purple Island is near Al Khor, a coastal town. Combine your visit with a tour of the Al Thakhira mangrove forests or Al Khor Park.
Getting there
The island is about 50 km north of Doha. The best way to reach it is by car; a path from a parking lot leads to the island, walkable at low tide.
Insider tip
Wear waterproof shoes or sandals, as you'll need to wade through shallow water. Bring binoculars to spot birds in the mangroves - the area is a key birding site.
Geography
Facts
- Also known as 'Purple Island'.
- Site of an ancient purple dye production (2nd millennium BC).
- The dye was extracted from sea snails.
- Oldest known dye production site in the region.
- Later used by pearl divers.
- Archaeological finds include pottery and piles of snail shells.
- Today connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jazirat Bin Ghannam (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Jazirat Bin Ghannam?
This island, also known as Purple Island, is a historical site famous for ancient dye production.
Can one reach the island on foot?
Yes, it is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian walkway over the mangroves.
Is the place suitable for birdwatching?
Absolutely, especially during the cooler months the mangroves attract numerous migratory bird species.
Are there beaches there?
There are more muddy coast sections by the mangroves than classic sandy beaches for swimming.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit during low tide to optimally explore the paths and see the mangroves.
Jazirat Bin Ghannam: where is it located?
Jazirat Bin Ghannam is located in Qatar.
Jazirat Bin Ghannam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Jazirat Bin Ghannam: why is it worth visiting?
Jazirat Bin Ghannam, also known as the 'Purple Island', is an island near Al Khor on the east coast of Qatar.
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