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Zubarah

UNESCO ruins of a pearling town

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Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Qatar

Photo: Munnarboy, CC BY-SA 4.0

Zubarah is a ruined 18th–19th century pearl-fishing and trading town on Qatar's northwest coast, and the country's largest archaeological site. People come for the UNESCO-listed ruins, the restored Al Zubarah Fort museum, and the quiet beaches and abandoned villages of the Al Shamal region.

Largest cities

Doha
Al Rayyan
Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Qatar
Capital: Doha
Town population: 8,000
Population of Qatar: 2.6M
Country area: 11,437 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +974
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 3 m
Plugs: D / G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 999
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	21°	22°	26°	31°	35°	38°	39°	40°	38°	34°	28°	23°
Low	15°	16°	18°	22°	27°	29°	31°	31°	29°	26°	22°	18°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$45
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$135
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$365

Plan a trip to Zubarah

Top things to do

Free
Al Zubarah Fort
A restored 1938 fort with a small museum on the UNESCO-listed town, free to enter; go early as there is little shade.
- Half day
- Al Zubarah Fort and archaeological site
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Zubarah Archaeological Site
Walk the low walls and grid streets of the 18th-century pearl town; the inner site may be fenced off, so check access at the fort.
- Half day
- Al Zubarah Fort and archaeological site
- Good for kids
Free
Qal'at Murair
The ruined 1760s coastal stronghold with its sea canal, a short drive from the main site; bring water and sun protection.
- Half day
- Al Zubarah Fort and archaeological site
- Good for kids
Free
Ruwais Beach (Abu Dhalouf Beach)
A quiet spit with coves, picnic benches and toilets where dugongs and flamingos are sometimes seen; good for a late-afternoon stop.
- Half day
- Al Ruwais and Abu Dhalouf
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Fuwairit Beach
A kitesurfing beach with eroded rock formations; watch for rocks in the water and camp here if staying overnight.
- Half day
- Al Ghariya and Fuwairit
- Good for kids
Free
Al Ghariya
A photogenic partly abandoned pearling village with a good beach and fishing spots just north of the old Scout Camp.
- Half day
- Al Ghariya and Fuwairit
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Al Jassassiyeh Carvings
About 900 petroglyphs of animals, boats and cup-shaped game boards near Huwailah; the site is unmarked, so take a GPS pin.
- Half day
- Al Jassassiyeh and Umm Al Maa
- Good for kids
Free
Al Rakiyat and Al Thughab Forts
A day trip north to two restored 17th–19th century desert forts, 15 km and 2 km apart; the last stretch to Al Rakiyat is 200 m of off-road track.
- Full day
- Al Jassassiyeh and Umm Al Maa
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Indian and Latin American passport holders, can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days; other nationalities need to apply in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and travellers staying more than 30 days must buy local health insurance. Check the latest rules on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Most visitors arrive via Hamad International Airport in Doha, about 105 km away. By car the drive along Al Shamal Road takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes; Route 100 and 101 buses from Al Ghanim Bus Station take about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Getting around

There is no local public transport, so a rental car is the practical way to reach the fort, ruins and nearby beaches and villages.

Local tips

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as this is a conservative area with religious and heritage sites.
Bring water, sun protection and cash; there are few shops or ATMs outside Al Ruwais.
Visit from November to March when daytime temperatures are comfortable; summer heat is extreme.
Check bus times with Mowasalat (+974 4458 8888) before travelling, as services can change.