QNA
Doha
Qatar's largest and deepest natural cave is open to the public after it was inaugurated by Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani on Thursday.
The opening of the Dahl Al Misfir cave site follows first-of-its-kind geological research carried out in cooperation with the Qatar Museums (QM) and ExxonMobil Research.
According to Qatar Tourism, the 40-metre-deep cave 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).
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 is comprised of rocks.
The site will only receive the public during the daytime only and visitors are required to adhere to security and safety procedures while they are at the site.
The drive to Dahl Al Misfir involves off-road driving from Salwa Road and Rawdat Rashed Road, best done on a 4x4 vehicle.
Inaugurating the cave, minister Sheikh Dr. Faleh Al Thani thanked ExxonMobil and Qatar Museums for their efforts to study and make the site safe for visitors.
For his part, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Dominic Genetti expressed pleasure with ExxonMobil Qatar's support for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's plans to enable nature lovers' to visit Dahl Al Misfir Cave, stressing the reliance of the centre's scientists and researchers on innovative techniques to make great progress in terms of knowledge and understanding of the scenic natural landmarks, within a framework of constructive cooperation and a common interest in exchanging experiences with the cadres of the Ministry.
He said that Qatar has a beautiful and unique natural environment that deserves to be enjoyed and taken part in by all, expressing gratitude for the fruitful partnership and the great support ExxonMobil Research receives from its important partners such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change which support environmental efforts and research work to achieve better and deeper impact.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is cooperating with ExxonMobil in implementing several programs, which include research projects to preserve dugongs in Qatar.
During the past six months, a detailed study of the cave was conducted by ExxonMobil Research team in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to create an informational banner of the cave map, in addition to designing and implementing 3D graphics that visitors can access through the QR Code on the banner. The team relied on ground survey and mapping techniques, in addition to the new digital technology (LiDAR), to obtain accurate measurements and design detailed visual displays of the cave, including 360-degree panoramic images of its internal features.
An informational banner was designed for the public using innovative technologies, and a page was created on the Ministry's website that includes all data and information related to the cave. The site was rehabilitated to receive visitors, while Qatar Museums, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, rehabilitated the Dahl Al Misfir site to facilitate visitors' entry, and to build safe paths, barriers and shades.
In conclusion, HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change honored the authorities and participants in the study and rehabilitation of the site.
Dahl Al Misfir cave, which is 35 m deep, is located south of Rawdat Rashid area, 40 km from the capital Doha. The exact age of the cave is unknown, but researchers believe that the period of the formation of the cave was less than the age of the surrounding rocks, which are estimated that it formed between 40 and 50 million years ago, based on the sediments found in it.
