Dahl Al Misfir Cavern Opens in Qatar

Dahl Al Misfir Cave, one of the most significant ecotourism destinations to draw tourists, was officially opened on Thursday in Doha by Minister of Environment and Climate Change H.E. Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani, after completing a thorough geological study, the first of its kind for the location, in collaboration with Qatar Museums (QM) and ExxonMobil Research.

The 35 m-deep Dahl Al Misfir cave is 40 kilometers from the capital Doha and is located south of the Rawdat Rashid area. The cave's exact age is uncertain, but based on the sediments discovered inside it, researchers suppose that it originated between 40 and 50 million years ago, which is younger than the age of the rocks around it.

ExxonMobil and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change are working together to develop a number of programs, including studies to protect dugongs in Qatar.

On this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani stated that he is pleased to announce the opening of Dahl Al Misfir after completing the findings of the study carried out by ExxonMobil Research Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which showed the distinctive geological nature of the cave. This announcement was made as part of the implementation of the Ministry's strategy and within the State of Qatar's eco-tourism initiative.

His Excellency congratulated ExxonMobil and Qatar Museums for their efforts to examine and preserve the site so that it is secure for visitors. The site is currently only open to the public during the daytime, and visitors must follow all security and safety precautions while there.

For his part, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Dominic Genetti expressed satisfaction with ExxonMobil Qatar's support for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's plans to enable tourists to visit Dahl Al Misfir Cave, highlighting the center's scientists and researchers' reliance on cutting-edge techniques to make significant progress in terms of knowledge and understanding of the picturesque natural landmarks, within a framework of constructive cooperation.

He expressed gratitude for the successful partnership and the significant support ExxonMobil Research receives from its significant partners, such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which supports environmental efforts and research work to achieve better and deeper impact. He noted that Qatar has a beautiful and unique natural environment that deserves to be enjoyed and participated in by all.

ExxonMobil Research team conducted a thorough study of the cave over the course of the last six months in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in order to design and implement 3D graphics that visitors can access through the QR Code on the banner and create an informational banner with a map of the cave. In addition to the new digital technology (LiDAR), the team used ground surveying and mapping methods to take precise measurements and develop detailed visual displays of the cave, including 360-degree panoramic photos of its internal features.

Innovative technologies were used to build an educational banner for the public, and a page was made on the Ministry's website that contains all relevant data and information. While Qatar Museums, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, renovated the Dahl Al Misfir site, secure routes, barriers, and shading were built to make it easier for people to enter.