Ruwayda

Ruwayda is an archaeological site on Qatar's northern coast featuring the remains of fortifications, mosques, warehouses, and residential buildings from former settlements. The ruins stretch along several kilometers of shoreline, showing how the settlement once organized its spaces.

The settlement flourished as a trading center between the 1500s and 1700s, serving as an important coastal port. Portuguese maps from the early period documented its existence as a significant location in the region.

The residents left behind artworks such as a plaque depicting an Arabian oryx, revealing the craftsmanship of people who lived there roughly three centuries ago. These findings show how the inhabitants expressed themselves through their creations.

The site is accessible for research purposes through the Qatar Museums Authority, which conducted extensive excavations there. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear and water, as the ground is uneven across the ruins.

White mangroves grow near the site, indicating a shallow water table that supplied fresh water to the former inhabitants. This natural source was essential for supporting a settled population in this coastal location.