In 1979 Qatar's government portioned off a 12 square km area of Al-Shahaniya as a sanctuary for Arabian oryxes, making it among the first protected environmental areas in the country. Oryxes for the reserve were transported from Muaither Farm by sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saud Al Thani. There were around 100 animals in the reserve in 1988. Aside from oryxes, there is an area of the reserve where red-necked ostriches are housed.

The municipality is well known for its sunken land-surfaces and vast plains. As such, there are upwards of 40 plains and 487 rawdas (depressions), the most important being Rawdat Rashed. Other geographic features listed by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment include 169 jeris (places where water flows), 71 hills, seven highlands, 13 sabkhas, and 15 capes. Rocky hills and limestone cliffs are found abundantly around the general area of Dukhan. Only one island is found off its shores; that being Janan Island.

When someday comes you'll need to get in.

When someday comes you'll need to be able to get around.