As expats in Qatar many of us can be guilty of not getting out of the city but there is more to Qatar than Doha! One place that any resident or visit should explore is Northern Qatar. In particular the Qatar Forts, in particular the Zubarah fort which have been award protected status from UNESCO.
How to get to the Qatar Forts and UNESCO Zubarah Fort
Our day started by driving 1 hour and ten minutes out of the city as we headed towards al Ruwais! Al ruwais is the port town of Doha. With 4000 inhabitants it is more a sleepy fishing town than what you would imagine a commercial port to be like.
Why Visit the Qatar Forts and UNESCO Zubarah Fort
We loved seeing the old dhows and fishermen at work. We particularly enjoyed watching this from the beautiful Abu Dhalouf Park ( open for families only with restrictions to women on Tuesdays and Wednesday).
View from abu dhalouf park
After a brief stop at the park we headed towards Zubarah. By driving from al Ruwais to Zubarah you drive along the coast and visit sone of the less well known and less preserved forts such as al thugab and rakiyat to name just two. Important – you will probably want a 4×4 to visit these.
The final fort you come to is zubarah – the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Qatar.
Zubarah fort
Old meets new at al zubarah fort
The fort is small but contains a small but interesting exhibition which tells you about the fort’s history and trade links.
The day we went, there was a vintage car rally on displaying 80s Nissan cars. Everyone was very friendly and Wandermust Daddy was in his element. It was really nice to see so many people at the fort and we got some great pics of old versus the new especially with the camels.
I think every expat should really make the effort to go out and see more of the country than currently call home as there is lots more to Qatar than Doha. Keep watching this space for more Qatar day trips!
Further Reading on Qatar:
Preparing For Your Trip:
Ultimate Guide of Where to Stay in Doha
What to Wear in Doha
What to do with Kids in Qatar
Qatar’s Most Beautiful Places
Hidden Gems in Qatar Public Beaches in Qatar
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me)
Monday 9th of January 2017
Thanks for linking up with #Culturedkids. This is a really interesting post about a part of the world that, I have to admit, I know little about. It sounds fascinating though, and interesting to hear your views on UNESCO sites - I'm sure you're right. I'm looking forward to reading more about your country of residence. x
Wandermust Mummy
Monday 9th of January 2017
Thank you - I think it's important to show people more than they see on the news. Unesco is my day job opinions coming out in my blog - oops!
Jonny (Daisy the bus)
Saturday 7th of January 2017
Nice post. I am surprised that Qatar has only one UNESCO World Heritage site, but it does look amazing. And I'm even more surprised that 1980s Nissans are considered collectible! ;) #CulturedKids
Wandermust Mummy
Saturday 7th of January 2017
One and a relatively new addition. I personally don't hold much stock in UNESCO lists as there is a western bias and lots to do with funding rather than historical importance but I still always visit! Yes I was surprised by the car rally - not really my thing but the organisers were so friendly
Notmyyearoff
Friday 6th of January 2017
I've often wondered about Qatar, but never been quite sure about it. I think I would like to go one day though and check it all out!
Wandermust Mummy
Sunday 8th of January 2017
Like many places in the Middle East it is a very child friendly destination