Abu Samra

Abu Samra is a settlement in Qatar, located in the municipality of Al Rayyan (90 km away from Doha). It used to be part of the Jariyan al Batnah municipality before the municipality was incorporated into Al Rayyan. The area consists of a border post, separating the southern part of the municipality from Saudi Arabia, and a well. It is Qatar's only land border crossing to Saudi Arabia.EtymologyThe settlement derived its name from a local Samr tree. Because the area contained one of the few Samr trees in the entire region, it was named Abu Samra, meaning 'father of the Samr tree'. The tree has local significance as it is used as fodder for camels.IndustryA major desalination plant in Abu Samra was announced in 2010. At a cost of QAR 27 million, the plant was stated to have a potable water production capacity of 2,000 cubic meters per day, and had a projected completion date in 2011.DemographicsAs of the 2010 census, the settlement comprised 484 housing units and 61 establishments. There were 1065 people living in the settlement, of which 78% were male and 22% were female. Out of the 1,065 inhabitants, 90% were 20 years of age or older and 10% were under the age of 20. The literacy rate stood at 93.4%.Employed persons made up 76% of the total population. Females accounted for 10% of the working population, while males accounted for 90% of the working population.TourismIn 2015, the government announced the upcoming construction of an extensive tourist complex in Abu Samra.