Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Al Shamal? We’ve got you covered. The municipality of Al Shamal is an area of municipality inside the State of Qatar. Their seat is Madinat Ash Shamal It is considered to be one of the major city centers in Qatar.
Its name city translates into “city of the north” however there are less than five thousand. Madinat Ash Shamal is situated at a distance of over 100 kilometers from Doha the capital of the city. Doha is situated 27 kilometers from Zubarah 24 km and 24 km from Fuwayrit and 76 kilometers away from Al Khor, and 122 kilometers from Wakrah.
Al Shamal, which is located in the north of Doha, municipality’s outermost point, which is Ras Rakan. It covers around 80 kilometers of coastline. According to the reports of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the municipality includes 101 raw as well as 41 wadis, and 51 jerks (places where the water flows) along with 13 hills, 77 plains as well as three hills.
There are also twelve Sabkhas as well as 12 capsules within one bay, and three coral reefs. Three islands can be seen along the coastline of this municipal area: Jazirat Al Khuwayr, Jazirat Umm Tais, and the northern part, which can be called Jazirat Ras Rakan.
Al Zubarah Fort
Al Zubarah Fort is one of the best places to visit in Al Shamal. Al Zubarah Fort, Zubarah Fort, in short, is located in the middle of nowhere located in the municipality of Madinat ash Shamal in Qatar. The closest to town is Al Ruwais, some 25 kilometers away to the north.
Al Zubarah Fort is the most famous desert fort in Qatar. Its name comes from the nearby archeological area that is located in Al Zubarah town, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a deserted, walled, and ruined town dating from the late 17th century. The town was once a bustling pearl fishing port and trading hub that had its fort, named Qalat Murari, destroyed in 1811. It was rebuilt in the 1820s but in a small way.
It is believed that the Al Khalifa clan of the Utub tribe which is the ruling family from Bahrain has an enduring relationship with Al Zubarah town. They controlled the town for many years, and it was also the location where they defeated Bahrain at the time of 1783. Qatari dominance over the area was contested by Bahrain from time to time.
In 1938, Al Zubarah Fort was built by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani to replace the then-deteriorating Qalat Murari,town and the abandoned town in Al Zubarah. The fort was operational as a coastal police and guard station. In the 1970s, there was a new structure constructed against the south-facing portion of the fort. In recent years, it was removed as the fort was rebuilt to its present form.
The fort at present is an art museum. In the rooms on the ground floor, there is a small exhibit about the fort and its surrounding area. Outside of the fort are two containers, which could be used to be home to a smaller exhibit as well as an e-commerce shop, however, the fort was closed at the time I went there.
Al Zubarah Fort is freely accessible throughout the daylight hours. There was a reason why I wasn’t allowed access to the walkway on the top floor by the guards. The fort is beautiful, although it’s very old. A visit to the fort via Doha can take about half an hour to drive but is worth it.
Zubarah Town ruins
Al Zubarah is a city in Qatar. Al Zubarah is an ancient historic city with a history that spans many years and decades, and it is among the notable archaeological sites which are being excavated to uncover the remainder of the secrets and unique features of the city that is so mysterious.
It is among the most significant archeological sites, not just in Qatar but throughout the Gulf region generally. The city gained recognition as the first port on the sea in the Kingdom. It witnessed numerous commercial exchanges and was a residence that was devoted to the fishing of pearls.
Due to the passage of centuries and the fighting of numerous conflicts the city is the site of archeological excavations, where an ongoing search is conducted for the remainder of the remains of this magnificent structure since it provides unique proof of the strong connection of man with the natural world in which the sea meets the sands of the desert, which dominates the landscape of the area.
Al Thagab Fort
Explore a restored fort that is typical of centuries-old defense structures that were built to protect wells in western and northern Qatar. Many of the ancient sites of northern Qatar are in various states of preservation and excavation. Al Thagab Fort has already been renovated twice to the structural form it was in when it was in use.
If you go to Al Thagab Fort notice the limestone, coral, and mud building materials and the construction methods used during the reconstruction in 2003. These materials are like those in the fort’s first construction hundreds of years ago.
The fort’s classic style has an almost square layout, with defensive towers in every corner. Three of the two are circular and the fourth one is rectangular. The inner courtyard is a vast open space. You can find the well that is deep southwest that is part of the fort.
The fort was constructed in the late 1600s to 1800s, likely to defend the well from marauders. In 1937, the fort was the scene of an armed conflict. Around 40 of the local Naim Tribesmen, who regularly slept in the fort were confronted by troops from the Qatari emir Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim al Thani.
The sheik’s troops arrived via vehicle, on horses and camels. They killed four Tribesmen.
Al Thagab Fort is next to the village of Qalat al Thaqab. It’s just 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the coastal town located in Al Ruwais. It is less than two minutes from Doha.
The site is usually open and doesn’t charge an entry fee. Hire a four-wheel drive car to access the site, and take dirt roads that lead to other historical places, like those closed by Al Zakayat Fort. Make sure you have plenty of water on hand when you travel far from Qatar’s larger cities.
Find a shaded area for a picnic lunch close to Al Thagab Fort. Take a picnic lunch of chicken kebabs, cucumbers, and yogurt with sweet luqaimat dough balls to eat for dessert. You can also take a break in the day to eat dinner at Al Ruwais and stroll past the Ruwais Port, where traditional containers and dhows demonstrate how old and modern can coexist in Qatar in the present.
Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings
Jassasiya sculptures on rocks, also known as it’s also known Jassasiya Mountain is an archeological area that has distinct inscriptions that date back to prehistoric times. It includes ruins of homes and pottery remnants (from the 15th century) in northwest Qatar.
The carvings found in the fossil dunes are geometrical, including animals, ships, and animal designs. The mountain is the biggest rock art location in Qatar over 500 inscriptions scattered across 580 sites that are numbered.
Abu Dhalouf Park
Abu Dhalouf Park is one of the best places to visit in Al Shamal. This gorgeous, lush green, and colorful park within the Al Shamal Municipality is a pleasure for both kids and adults alike. In addition to enjoying an enjoyable picnic and relaxing time in the park, it also leads towards the Shamal beach, where you can up the entertainment to a higher level. It is one of the most loved parks in Qatar!
- The location is Abu Dhalouf Park (it is quickly reached via a sedan)
Freiha
It is believed that the Freiha Settlement was founded close to Al Zubarah, on a shallow bay in the Al Bin Ali tribe; the roots of the village go to a point where archaeologists aren’t yet able to determine its exact date of birth. Archaeologists that have excavated the site have narrowed the village’s active past to the late 17th or 18th century. A theory is that Freiha was abandoned at the time the new Al Zubarah was established.
It wasn’t until 2005 that the town received significant archaeological attention, since then there have been many discoveries discovered each year, including houses, and a mosque in middlemen’s (or trash heaps).
Make sure to visit Qal’at Freiha Qal’at Freiha, the town’s principal attraction. The fort-like structure is impressive and boasts the remains of corner towers in the Islamic style, as well as defensive walls. Inside, visitors can see date presses as well as domestic objects that reflect the times. You can look for evidence of Freiha’s significant fishing traditions during its peak. Excavations have revealed numerous bones of fish and stone traps for fishing.
Freiha is an ideal option to visit in conjunction with Doha’s Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site about 1 hour and 20 mins driving northwest of Doha. Freiha is located another three miles (5 km) north. The most suitable time to go is between mid-Aprils and later than September.
Al Areesh – Fishermen’s villages
It is located in Al-Areesh a ruined fishing community located in the northern part of Qatar. Although its name translates to the green oasis that conjures images of a serene area surrounded by lush palm trees this deserted town is a far cry from a lush green oasis. A few of the village’s buildings have stood the test of time and the ones that have lasted through the rigors of the harsh desert climate.
There are still ruins of limestone and coral rock joined by clay mortar that forms strong walls. Some structures are still covered by mangrove branches for roofs. They are tightly woven and placed on bamboo poles submerged in the second coating of cement mortar.
A minaret is a best-preserved remnant although it’s broken, it is a landmark among the ruin of the surrounding structures along with the spiral staircase that exists, making the upward climb feasible, though definitely not recommended. Also, the remains of the wall that was destroyed and the huge mosque have been scattered.. an ablution area.
Al Rakayat Fort
Al Rakayat Fort is one of the best places to visit in Al Shamal. Near a deep freshwater source, This fort served as a guard for the water supply to residents in the area. Built around the turn of the century before being revamped by 1988. Al Rakayat Fort is one of the many abandoned defenses along the Qatari peninsula.
Go to Al Rakayat Fort to see the usual style and construction made possible by local materials. The structure served as a barrier against intruders and protection against the scorching sun.
The fort’s style is functional and simple. You can see the local coral and limestone that were used to build the lower levels. Clay bricks were used to provide extra structural strength in the higher tower levels.
Explore the tiny rooms that lined all three walls of the fort as well as overlooking the courtyard. Thicker walls helped keep these rooms cool on days with extremely hot temperatures. The huge rectangular courtyard in the center was utilized for all-day activities.
On each one of four sides, there is an edifice, with three of them being rectangular and the fourth circular. Take the steps to the summit of the tower, and stroll along the ramparts to view the desert from the top.
The only way to access the fort from outside is through a gate within the wall to the south. The opening in front is a small, unfinished structure that was utilized as a mosque while the fort was in use.
You can spot the huge green field that lies south of the fort. It is usually used for a camel ranch. It is also possible to see wild ostriches and oryx, as well as gazelles that are grazing in the region.
Take a drive towards Al Rakayat Fort in northwestern Qatar from Doha within 90 minutes.
Hire a four-wheel drive car for the ability to traverse the rough roads of gravel as well as sand. The fort is open all hours and does not cost admission fees. If you are in the area, be sure to go to Al Thagab Fort a few miles south, and other locations on Qatar’s northwestern coast.
You can also join an organized tour led by an expert guide who will give further information about the area’s history and current information on archeological plans. Always ensure you have plenty of water when you travel to forts as well as other archaeological and cultural sites that are not far from the main cities of Qatar.
Al Shamal Sports Club Stadium
Another notable landmark within Madinat ash Shamal is the Al Shamal Sports Club Stadium. It opened in the year 2011 and is now host to the local Al Shamal football team. It can accommodate 5,500 people. It is also unique in the sense that it was built to look like its predecessor, the Al Zubarah Fort.
Site: Al Shamal Sports Club Stadium (it is easily accessible via car)
Al Ghariya Beach
Al Ghariya Beach is one of the best places to visit in Al Shamal.Another well-known beach within Qatar can be found at Al Ghariya Beach which is situated further to the north of Fuwairit. Since there aren’t any eateries in the area, it is recommended to you can bring food or beverages. Make sure that you’ve removed all of your garbage in the appropriate bins before you leave.
While it isn’t offering any facilities that you can discuss, Al Ghariya is a location where visitors can enjoy a wonderful time. Although it is dependent on the choices of travelers you are able to spend two or three hours on Al Ghariya Beach.
The beach is so full of activities to do on this beach that you will never tire of spending time there. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to take pleasure in watersports or beach activities this is the ideal place to do it all.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Al Zubarah Fort is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of the Best Places to Visit in Al Shamal.
I would be very thankful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to your friends or sharing it on Facebook, Medium, Reddit, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram. Thank you!
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