Forts in Qatar

Qatar has a rich history and heritage which makes every Qatari proud. Our ancestors had built many
forts during their reign. Over the time, these structures have become a great source of tourist attraction.

Here, we enlist some of the best forts in Qatar.

Al Koot Fort

Al Koot Fort (map link), popularly known as Doha Fort, is undoubtedly the most well-known forts in
Qatar and is a perfect example to showcase the rich architecture of the country. Situated in the heart of
Doha, it is in the middle of the famous Souq Waqif. The fortress is white colored square-shaped having
one rectangular and three cylindrical towers which are decorated with traditional battlements at each
corner. The structure was originally built by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani in 1880 and used as a
police station and jail to protect the Souq Waqif from thieves. In 1927, after it was abandoned by the
Ottomans, he rebuilt it which was later turned into a museum for tourists. Visitors can witness
traditional Qatari handicrafts including glasswork, oil painting, ceramics, gypsum ornaments, and many
others.

Location: Ukaz St, Doha, Qatar

Contact: +974 6699 5477

Working Hours: Everyday 8am - 12am

Al Wajbah Fort

Al Wajbah Fort (map link) is one of the oldest forts in Qatar which was built in the year 1882. The fort is
located in the new Al Rayyan and is situated about 15 kilometers west of Doha. The most striking
incident associated with this fortress is that it played a significant role when the army of Sheikh Jassim
bin Mohammed Al Thani defeated the Ottoman forces in 1893. At some point in time, the fort also
served as the residence of Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. The fortress has four beautiful watchtowers
which is its highlight. It also went through a renovation in the later 20th century.

Location: Al Rayyan, Emir's Palace

Working Hours: 8am - 1pm

Al Zubara Fort

Al Zubara Fort (map link) is a famous military fort of Qatar located outside of Doha territory. It was built
in 1938 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. It is located in the deserted town of Zubara on the
northwest coast of the Qatar peninsula in the Al Shamal municipality, and about 105 km from Doha. It
was originally constructed to serve as a coastguard station and also as a police station afterward. The
structure consists of three circular towers while the fourth one is rectangular (which is peculiar). It has
also many rooms made up of cement or compressed mud. These rooms showcase beautiful art work
and archeological findings.

Location: Al Zubara Fort, Al Shamal, Qatar

Working Hours: Everyday 8am – 6pm

Ar Rakiyat Fort

Ar Rakiyat Fort (map link), also known as Al Rakayat fort, is a historical desert fort of Qatar which was
constructed during the 19th century. It is located in the neighborhood of the scattered village of Ar
Rakiyat in the northern municipality of Al Shamal. It is situated 94 km northwest of Doha and is just off
the coastal road between the ruined towns of Zubarah and Ruwais. Ar Rakiyat means ‘well’ in Arabic.
According to popular belief, the fort was constructed to protect the freshwater sources in the village
area of Ar Rakiyat, especially during any calamities. The fortress consists of three rectangular towers and
one cylindrical tower. The lower portion of the structure was constructed using mud and limestone,
while the top portion was constructed using a mixture of mud and clay brick.

Location: AR Rakiyat, Qatar

Working Hours: Everyday 24 hrs

Barzan Towers

Barzan Towers (map link), also known as the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers, were built during the
19th century. Further, in 1910, it was renovated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. The fort is
located around 20 km north of Doha, and is in the town of Umm Salal Mohammed, in the municipality of
Umm Salal. These forts originally served as watchtowers against the possible invasion of Ottoman army.
The forts have high and thick walls, and the construction is similar to Al Zubara Fort. The walls have
beautiful designs and architecture craved into it.

Location: Umm Salal Mohammed, Doha

Working Hours: Everyday 24 hours

Qal'at Murair

Qal'at Murair (map link), also known as Murair Fort, is a ruined and abandoned castle which was built by
Al Bin Ali of Utub tribe in 1778 after their arrival from Zubarah. The main purpose to build the fort was
to tackle challenges posed by the Al Musallam branch of the Bani Khalid, who had a strong presence on
most of Qatar. It is located about 1500 meters to the south-east of the deserted town of Zubarah. The
fort consists of a channel and four walls and also a masjid known as Murair Masjid.

Location: Zubarah, Doha

Working Hours: Everyday 24 hrs

Let us know which of these forts you plan to visit.