Messiaeed Industrial City, Qatar

(also known as Umm Saieed and Musay-id)

Al Khor | Al Wakra | Corniche | Doha | Dukhan | Messaieed

Messiaeed: This Small Town and Seaport is a Vital Part of Qatar's Economy

Population

12,674 (2004 census)

Location

On Doha's East Coast, about 20 miles from the outskirts of Doha, and thirty miles from the border with Saudi Arabia.

History

Messaieed was established on the salt flats or "sabkhah" of Qatar's coast in 1949. It initially functioned as a tanker terminal by Qatar petroleum, and was Qatar's first deep sea port.

Today

At present its port sees about 1000 ships a year passing through. Currently, Messaieed is expanding at an astronomical rate, and there seem to be many more buildings under construction than are currently built.

In fact, despite its small population, the present importance of this "city" cannot be underestimated. Commodities imported and exported through its port account for about 60% of the country's GDP. The place itself cannot be mistaken for what it is: a town devoted to manufacture and industry.

Important or not, if you're a tourist you'll probably only see Messaieed as you drive through on the way to Sealine Beach Resort or Khor Al-Deid ( (the inland sea) or to Umm Saieed beach. Your impressions will be of refineries spouting flame and massive housing constructions: the place is obviously going to expand dramatically.

Facilities

There's not a great deal to do in Messaieed. Nevertheless, it's less than an hour from Doha, and the following facilities are available:

Golf club

18 hole golf course, tennis court, garden for children, swimming pool billiards room and banquet hall. Hosts several competitions including the Qp challenge trophy.
Contact: Tel: +974 44 771 740

Al Shaheen recreational centre

(For junior staff) Includes swimming pool, tennis court, playground, gym and garden for children.
Contact: Tel +974 44 770 848

Recreational Park

Immaculately maintained park with gardens, shaded picnic areas, shaded sand area for children, children play area with slides and swings and a small skateboard park.

Messaieed Medical Centre

Clinic with comprehensive services including dental health, antenatal care and a well women clinic.

Messaieed Nursery School

English speaking nursery school following British curriculum.
Tel: +974 44 760 292

You'll also find a large mosque, Q-post, Q-tel and several banks including HSBC.

Shopping

There's a shopping area in the City Centre which caters for all essentials and includes quite a number of restaurants. There's also a mall-like building, which is mostly empty at the moment but will no doubt shortly be filled.

Around Messaieed

Go past Messaieed city and you'll find towering sand dunes on either side of the road. These prove an irresistible lure for dune bashing land cruisers. This is a dangerous sport, and on Fridays and on public holidays ambulances wait by the side of the road, ready to pick up the dead and injured.

Near Sealine the Al-Afjah heritage village is currently being constructed on the site of the Old-Afjah village, and both Khor Al-Deid (the Inland Sea) and the singing sand dunes are not too far away.

Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Mesaieed

Links:

MIC: Official website