Al Zubarah lies about 100 km northwest of Doha; the archaeological site stretches 2.5 km from the fort to the coast. Nearby, Doha offers art and cultural venues, while Al Thakhira and the country’s southeast offer nature experiences. When planning a trip to Qatar, you can first decide whether archaeology, art and exhibitions, or landscapes and wildlife watching will be the main focus.

Al Zubarah: a sprawling archaeological site

The 60-hectare Al Zubarah site includes the remains of houses, mosques, date presses, large fortified buildings and a market. The fort is therefore part of a larger setting: the various surviving structures shape the character of the archaeological site, which extends to the coast. Both the site’s size and its location northwest of Doha are useful for getting your bearings.

There is a service centre with toilets near Al Zubarah Fort. Check its current operating status before your visit.

Doha and Katara: art, architecture and a public beach

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Islamic art. Masterpieces from around the world represent the diversity of Islamic heritage. The MIA offers a different focus from the venues in Katara, whose themes range from architecture to contemporary art.

Katara’s amphitheatre combines a classical Greek style with Islamic influences. It covers 3,275 m² and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The Qatar Museum Gallery in Katara showcases works by local and international artists on themes that place people at the centre. The Katara Art Center (KAC) is an independently run platform for contemporary art and interdisciplinary creative practice. The two art venues differ in their focus: the gallery centres on its exhibition themes, while the KAC focuses on contemporary and interdisciplinary practice.

Katara’s public beach is a pleasant place to stroll and spend time. It complements the area’s arts and cultural offerings with another way to enjoy Katara.

Al Thuraya Planetarium

The Al Thuraya Planetarium’s exhibition topics range from astronomy, the atmosphere, geology and oceans to the role of astronomy in Qatar’s history and religious traditions. Its digital full-dome system can take up to 200 visitors on a journey through the universe. Alongside astronomical topics, visitors interested in space can also explore scientific connections to the Earth and sea.

Guided wildlife watching in Al Thakhira and at Khor Al Adaid

Al Thakhira was declared a nature reserve in 2006 because of its rich marine biodiversity. Guided tours travel through the mangrove waterways. Visitors may spot birds such as herons and flamingos, as well as marine life such as crabs and fish. The availability of guided tours may vary; check in advance which dates are available.

Guided nature walks are offered at Khor Al Adaid in southeastern Qatar, where visitors can look out for wildlife such as the Arabian oryx. If you plan this activity, check the current offerings in advance. When choosing between these nature experiences, the main difference is the type of activity: in Al Thakhira, tours travel through waterways, while at Khor Al Adaid, the focus is on guided walks and the possibility of spotting wildlife.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Doha, Mesaieed, Al Khawr, Mesaieed, Al Wakrah, Al Daayen, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina.