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Qatar Natural History Group
About Us
The Qatar Natural History Group (QNHG) was founded more than 40 years ago in November 1978 to ‘bring together people with an interest in the natural history of Qatar and the Gulf’, and the inaugural meeting was held in the grounds of the National Museum.
The QNHG has an international membership. Its annual subscription of QR 75 per adult and QR 150 per family (including any children under the age of 18) is the lowest of any of the natural history groups in the Arabian Gulf states. Its interests cover not only all aspects of natural history but also the culture, history and archaeology of Qatar, and talks are sometimes given on other places of interest to members.
Meetings take place between October and June, usually on the first Wednesday of the month. They are held at 7:00 pm in the gymnasium of the Doha English Speaking School (click to see the DESS map for directions). An illustrated talk follows the announcements, and there is a small lending library of books available to members. See the Lecture Programme on our website and look out for further announcements.
There are field trips or rambles at least twice a month on Friday or Saturday morning during the season (from mid-October to late April) to places of interest around Qatar. The trips are usually led by people who have some knowledge of a particular region or subject, e.g. amateur or professional geologists, botanists, archaeologists and so on. These activities vary from a couple of hours walk to a full day excursion. There are also camping trips and star-gazing expeditions from time to time. Children are welcome on the trips provided they are kept under parental control at all times.
In recent past there have been various overseas trips per year during the long Eid breaks, organised with the help of local travel agents. These have included visits to Vietnam, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Turkey and Yemen, and have proved highly popular.
The Group is run by volunteers, each of whom undertakes various responsibilities and work together in the Committee (See list of current committee members and their roles under about us on this web site). Given the big turnover of membership each year, the success of the QNHG, and its continuance, relies entirely on the willingness of individual members to come forward and volunteer to help. If you have any skills or interests you can offer, or can give a talk, please do not hesitate to contact the committee.
Team
Committee Members
I am a nature lover by heart and an electrical engineer by brains. Associated with QNHG since 2018, I have become an avid bird watcher. I am also an amateur astronomer, a photographer and a budding conchologist. I believe that life is not about fulfilling your bucket list – but doing what matters to you, while you can.
You can find me on social media at following links:
Blog: https://omeraziz.wordpress.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Contact details:
Email : Quasar273@gmail.com
mobile : +974 3355 7654
I am an ecologist and have served as the QNHG Talks Coordinator since 2015. I bring in experts in ecology, geology, geography, archaeology, astronomy, climate change and sustainability.
I am a fervent steward of nature, conducting research on desert ecology for a number of international institutes. I also carry out educational nature tours for groups and schools.
I am an urban and regional planner with a focus on environmental planning and with more than 15 years of experience in the field. I enjoy going out in nature and exploring different ecosystems, especially the marine environment.
I’ve worked in several parts of the US and MENA regions. I’ve been on the QNHG Committee since 2016.
halaarahim@gmail.com
I was a guest speaker in 2018 and was impressed by the topics of QNHG monthly talks and the fun, valuable trips.
I’m a public archaeologist at Qatar Museums. I connect people with Qatar’s past through programs that make archaeology accessible, engaging, and meaningful. For me, archaeology isn’t just about what we discover — it’s also about how we care for the world around us today. Beyond work, I’m an avid diver and happiest outdoors!
I am passionate about the environment and the relationship between man and nature. I hold a doctorate degree in Geography and am a regular commentator on issues related to natural disasters, climate vulnerability and biodiversity.
In my work at Oryx FM radio station in Doha, I produce shows and stories about the environment
I’ve been a QNHG member since 2010 and joined the committee in October 2015 to help maintain the website.
I have discovered Qatar through QNHG’s field trips and its many interesting talks. I have also made lots of friends with the same interests in culture and nature.
I am a geologist (BScHon, PhD) with expertise in sedimentology, petroleum geology, planetary geology and environment. I’ve worked in research, industry and academia and done fieldwork worldwide from Africa to Canada, from Arctic to Outback. I am a passionate naturalist and environmental advocate. I’ve been a member of the committee since 2024.
After receiving my Ph.D. in biology from New York University, I worked as a forensic biologist in New York City’s Medical Examiner’s Office. Since joining Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) in 2012, I’ve received multiple grants from Qatar National Research Fund and WCM-Q to support my student research on biodiversity and conservation of animals in Qatar. I joined QNHG committee in 2024 to support the group’s citizen science programme.
I have a Master’s degree in Advanced Studies in Architecture from ETSAB, UPC, Barcelona and I am the Principal Architect at DMS Qatar. In 2016, I co-founded Deccan Amalgam, a Hyderabad-based architecture and urban design studio, which worked on masterplans for a number of lake and water body restoration projects in Hyderabad. I am an active volunteer and participant in environmental initiatives n Hyderabad and here in Doha. I joined the QNHG committee in 2024.
I am an engineer by profession and a vagabond at heart! A long time resident of Qatar, I am nature lover, passionately wandering across the landscapes, to explore and appreciate the treasures of this fascinating country, often ganging up with my daughters & a son!
Email: MrNoor@Live.com
I’m a Turkish German archaeologist who studied Prehistory and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the Universities of Istanbul (Turkey) and Tübingen (Germany). I hold a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Archaeology from the University of Tübingen. Before moving to Qatar, I worked for several excavation projects in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Germany and was Field Director of several excavation and survey projects. I have published several books, editions and articles on chronology, archaeological excavations, and material studies. Since 2013 I have been working for Qatar Museums and currently hold the position, Head of Excavation and Site Management at the Department of Archaeology.
