Zubarah Fort, Military fort in Ash Shamal, Qatar.
Zubarah Fort is a square-shaped fortification with four defensive towers and thick limestone walls surrounding a central open courtyard with a water well. The structure contains several rooms and exhibition halls that now serve as a museum for visitors to explore.
The fort was built in 1938 under Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and initially served as a coastal defense station protecting the region. In 1986, it was converted into a museum for public access.
The museum inside displays artifacts from Qatar's pearl diving era and reflects the maritime traditions that shaped life in the Persian Gulf region. Visitors can observe how important pearl diving trade was to local communities.
The fort is located approximately 105 kilometers northwest of Doha and is open daily to visitors. You can explore the exhibition halls inside and climb to the top of the defensive towers for views of the surrounding area.
The fort's roof uses a compressed clay system that naturally keeps the interior cool throughout the year. This traditional building technique shows how effectively older construction methods adapted to the region's hot climate.
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