Qatar is one of the most prosperous nations in the world according to the World Bank, with the planet’s highest income per-capita. The UN classified the nation as a place of ‘high human development’. Qatar is also a very popular tourism destination and you will never experience a shortage in accommodation since you can choose from luxury rooms to villas in Doha from entities such as Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. The country’s rise to prominence is a very interesting story and holds many wonders. If you wish to discover the nature of Qatar’s past, one of the best places to visit is the Al Zubarah archaeological site.
Zubarah features incredibly well-preserved remains of a Qatari fort that served as a centre for trade and civilisation during the 18th and 19th centuries where it thrived as a pearl-trading centre. Since it’s located within the Strait of Hormuz, Zubarah served as a global trading post. The strait is considered one of the most important maritime passages in the region since it is the only access to the sea that vessels from the Persian Gulf have available to them.
The most iconic aspect of Zubarah is the fort, which was built somewhat recently, in 1938. It was built in order to provide a stronghold for military forces but has since been demilitarised. For a brief period the fort housed a notable museum, but after the fort was deemed unsuitable to showcase certain exhibits, a variety of artefacts were relocated to Doha.
Once Zubarah was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area developed much more rapidly. The fort now features an information centre and various other facilities and exhibits. A UNESCO museum is featured within the fort as well.
A visit to Qatar should definitely include an experience involving this majestic and historic site which will truly allow you to discover the breath-taking heritage of Qatar.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.