Al Rakiyat Fort (Al-Rekayat Fort)

Al Rakiyat Fort (Al-Rekayat Fort), 15km north of Zubarah, next to a camel farm (turn inland at the Al-Khuwair radio station, drive 200m off-road, 4WD not required). 24 hrs. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, restored in 1988. The fort is notable for having three square towers and one round tower, and was constructed of coral, limestone, and mud brick. Free.

Al Thughab Fort (Al Thaghab Fort) (2km from Al Rakiyat Fort). 24 hrs. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries and restored in 2003. Similar to the fort at Al Rakiyat, this fort also features three square towers and one round tower. Free.

Al Ghariya (Al Ghariyah), Al Shamal Rd (Q1). A photogenic partially abandoned fishing village, ac-tive during Qatar’s pearling years. There is also a
good beach with fishing spots a bit further north of the old Scout Camp.

Al Jemail (Al Jumail) (visible from the highway). An abandoned fishing village, founded in the early 17th century and fully abandoned in the 1970s with the shift of Qatar’s economy to one based on min-eral resources. The site is now under the protec-tion of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and can only be visited after prior approval by the Qatar Museum Authority. Arrangements can also be made through Doha-based tour groups.

Al Khuwair (on the waterfront, behind a cluster of radio towers). A traditional fishing village aban-doned in the 1970s. The name 'khuwair' refers to a small seawater canal.

Al Areesh. An abandoned fishing village, inhabited from the early 19th to late 20th centuries. 'Areesh' is the Arabic word for a shelter made from date palm fronds.