Discover North Qatar: Culture, History & Heritage Tour

Also spelled Al Khawr means "sea on threesides" in Arabic. Older than Doha but far smaller in size. Al Khor is located an easy 50 kilometres to the north of Doha. It used to be the center of the pearling industry in Qatar but lost its importance after the introduction of cultured pearls. It now boasts a scenic harbour where you can find traditional fishing dhows, a corniche leading to mangrove colonies and a museum showcasing the fishing, pearling and dhow building industries.

A serene island set amidst nature beyond Al Khor is the Purple Island abundant of mangroves and lush greenery. This island brings you an opportunity to reconnect with nature away from the hustle-bustle of the city. From long walks and family picnics to kayaking options, the Purple Island has something for everyone in the family.

Situated on the North-Western part of Qatar, the Al Zubarah Fort was built besides the ruins of an ancient fort. Al-Zubarah was once a flourishing port and a centre of trade, fishing and pearling. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this protected area has become one of the most important archaeological sites in Qatar. An international team of archaeologists and antiquities experts, led by the Qatar Museums Authority, have uncovered many of the artifacts which are displayed in the renovated fort.

The twenty circular shelters, three single rings and two double rings that make up this site-specific artwork appear at first glance to be scattered about the desert landscape at random. They are, however, positioned according to the axes of a fivefold symmetrical pattern, with the ten shelters at the center forming a pentagram. The principles behind such patterns were recently discovered by mathematicians in the West although they may have informed some of the sophisticated designs found in Islamic cultures since medieval times.