What to visit

Forts In Qatar

Ar Rakiyat Fort, one of many Forts in Qatar

While many choose to spend their time off on the beach or shopping, others might want to discover these five beautiful forts in Qatar.

In recent decades, Qatar has transformed from a collection of desert oases to having one of the world’s most modern cities. It has become a popular destination for shopping, entertainment, sports and business, but if you look closely, you’ll find that the desert is home to many forts in Qatar, each with its own story.

Al Koot Fort

Al Koot Fort in Doha, Qatar

This historical fortress is also known as Doha Fort, as it is located in heart of Doha. It was built by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s ruler from 1913 to 1949, in the year 1927. It is currently a museum where you can rediscover the country’s history through traditional handicrafts, products and photographs.

Al Wajbah Fort

Al Wajbah Fort - Qatar Living

Dating back to 1839, it stands on the location where the army of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani defeated the Ottoman army in 1893. It also served as the residence of Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani several times.

Zubarah Fort

Zubarah fort in Qatar

This military fortress was built for military use in 1938, by orders of Sheikh Abdullah bin Qassim Al Thani. Today, it serves as a popular landmark and museum that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Ar Rakiyat Fort

Ar Rakiyat Fort - Qatar Museums

This 19th century fort was built to protect the water resources around Ar Rakiyat, a village in in the municipality of Madinat ash Shamal. Being one of the larger forts in Qatar, near by residents relied on it for protection during times of conflict.

Barzan Towers

Barzan Tower in Doha, Qatar

Originally built in the late 19th century and later on renovated in 1910, these watchtowers are also known as the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers. Not only did it protect the Rawdat, a valley where rainwater collected, but was also used to monitor the moon during the Holy month of Ramadan.

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