Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Al-Zubara occupies an important place in Qatari history, as it was a large commercial and
pearling port in the 18th and 19th centuries when the area was under the governance of
Al-Khalifa (now the ruling family in Bahrain).
Al-Zubara Fort ( 5.30am-5.30pm) was built in 1938 and used by the military until the
1980s. The archaeology and pottery exhibits have sadly been neglected, but the fort is still
worth visiting for the bleak views from the battlements. The fort is at the intersection of a
road from Doha and Al-Ruweis, 2km from Al-Zubara.
Nearby, work is underway to open up the on-going excavations of an old pearling vil-
lage to visitors. There's not too much to see but the enthusiasm of the archaeologists is in-
fectious.
Al-Zubara is 105km northwest of Doha along Highway 1.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Bir Zekreet
There is not much in the way of altitude in Qatar, which only serves to exaggerate the
little escarpment on the northwest coast of the peninsula, near Dukhan. The limestone es-
carpment of Bir Zekreet is like a geography lesson in desert formations, as the wind has
whittled away softer sedimentary rock, exposing pillars and a large mushroom of lime-
stone. The surrounding beaches are full of empty oyster shells with rich mother-of-pearl
interiors and other assorted bivalves. The shallow waters are quiet and peaceful and see
relatively few visitors, making the area a pleasant destination for a day trip. Camping is
possible either along the beach or less conspicuously under the stand of acacia trees near
the escarpment. There are no facilities or shops nearby, so campers should come prepared,
bringing water especially in the summer months.
To reach Bir Zekreet from Doha, head west past Al-Shahaniya and take the signposted
turn-off on the right about 10km before Dukhan. A new road is under construction which
will make reaching the area easier, but a 4WD is advisable for exploring the escarpment
area. To reach the desert mushroom, turn right 1.5km past the school at a gap in the gas
pipes and bear left before the trees.
The remains of the 9th-century Murwab Fort , about 15km further up the northwest coast
from Dukhan, may be worth a visit with a guide. Five groups of buildings, including two
mosques and an earlier fort, have been partially excavated but a lack of information makes
the sight of limited
interest.
 
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