Things to do in Madinat ash Shamal

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Visit Qatar
Photo provided by Visit Qatar

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Top places to visit

1. Fuwairit Beach

On Qatar’s northeastern coastline, Fuwairit Beach is one of the favorite secret getaway spots for expats, visitors and local residents. Dig your toes in the soft sand and wade into the blue-green waters of the Persian Gulf. Visit Fuwairit Beach for a quiet escape close enough to get to with an easy drive and far enough from the city that you won’t find crowds.
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Soft sands, sunrises and kite surfing bring visitors to this very quiet beach in northern Qatar where turtles come to lay their eggs.

2. Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

Along Qatar’s northwestern shoreline, visit Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a buried city with well-preserved structures from a pearl-fishing and trading port that thrived in the 1700s and 1800s. Travel here from Doha to see exhibits in Al Zubarah Fort representing the small fraction of the region that has already been excavated. Imagine the daily lives of the local residents centuries ago.
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A 20th-century fort rises above the excavation site for an 18th-century pearl-diving and trading town buried by the sands of the desert.

3. Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings

At first glance, an Al Jassasiya visit may seem anticlimactic, given the barren desert setting and lack of signage, yet dig a bit further and you’ll soon discover the astonishing petroglyphs for which this site is renowned. While petroglyphs can be found along Qatar’s coast and on Al Hawar Island in Bahrain, the Al Jassasiya site is the most impressive.
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The impressive petroglyphs at this Qatar rock-carving site are a mysterious and mesmerizing site for archaeology buffs.

4. Al Thagab Fort

While many of the historic sites in northwestern Qatar are in various early states of excavation and preservation, Al Thagab Fort has already been restored twice to the structural appearance it had when it was occupied. When you visit Al Thagab Fort notice the coral, limestone and mud materials and building techniques used in the 2003 reconstruction. These are similar to those used during the fort’s original creation hundreds of years ago.
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See a restored fort that is typical of centuries-old defensive structures built to guard wells across northern and western Qatar.

5. Al Rakayat Fort

Constructed in the 19th century and renovated in 1988, Al Rakayat Fort is a good example of the many abandoned protective defenses across the Qatari peninsula. Visit Al Rakayat Fort to see the typical design and construction that was easily achieved using local materials. The structure provided a defense against enemies as well as shelter from the sun.
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Near a deep freshwater well, this fort provided protection for the critical water supply for the residents of the area.

6. Freiha

For those with an interest in history and archaeology, visiting Freiha is a Qatar highlight. Among the many ancient discoveries across the country, this deserted village on the peninsula’s northwest coast is one of its most noteworthy.
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This abandoned settlement in northwestern Qatar is a must-see for those interested in archaeology and ancient history.

What to do in Madinat ash Shamal

Popular places to visit

Image for Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

A 20th-century fort rises above the excavation site for an 18th-century pearl-diving and trading town buried by the sands of the desert.

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
Image for Al Jumail

Al Jumail

Find out about the history of Madinat ash Shamal when you take a trip to Al Jumail. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Al Jumail
Image for Zubara Fort

Zubara Fort

You can find out about the history of Madinat ash Shamal with a stop at Zubara Fort. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Zubara Fort
Image for Al Thagab Fort

Al Thagab Fort

See a restored fort that is typical of centuries-old defensive structures built to guard wells across northern and western Qatar.

Al Thagab Fort
Image for Al Rakayat Fort

Al Rakayat Fort

Near a deep freshwater well, this fort provided protection for the critical water supply for the residents of the area.

Al Rakayat Fort
Image for Freiha

Freiha

This abandoned settlement in northwestern Qatar is a must-see for those interested in archaeology and ancient history.

Freiha
Image for Ruwayda

Ruwayda

One of the largest archaeological sites in Qatar gives you an idea of how locals lived along the northern coast before the 1800s.

Ruwayda
Image for Umm Tais National Park

Umm Tais National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Umm Tais National Park, a lovely green space in Madinat ash Shamal. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Umm Tais National Park

 

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Al Ghariyah

Al Ghariyah