Stories

Qatari Heritage

Two boys dressed in traditional Qatari attire hoop rolling with Al Zubarah fort in the background

We put local communities, young and old, in touch with their past, reminding them of the skills, wisdom and struggles of their ancestors.

Our Cultural Heritage division covers archaeology, architectural conservation and cultural tourism. We manage, conserve, protect and enhance archaeology and archaeological practices in Qatar.

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Unearthing Al Zubarah

Produced by Ali Al Anssari

Qatar Museums Watch
A side view of Al Zubarah Fort

10 steps to protect Qatar’s heritage

By Margaux Montserrat De Pauw

Qatar Museums Read
A side view of Al Zubarah Fort

Preserving Heritage: Finding A Nation's Voice

By Abdullatif Al Jasmi

Qatar Museums Read
Restored historic palace with arches and sand coloured buildings in the background
Researchers

Doha's Old Palace

National Museum of Qatar Read
Two men kneeling on sandy desert ground using small tools to expose archeological remains at Al Zurbarah, Qatar
Researchers

Six Qatar Museums' Heritage Initiatives

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Visit Our Heritage Sites

map of the doha heritage walking trail

Doha Heritage Walking Trail

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Qatar, exploring the historic buildings, towers, and forts of Doha.
A queue of visitors walking through the clay structures of the heritage site

Al Zubarah Archaeological site

Al Zubarah is Qatar’s largest heritage site, with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces and houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques.
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Barzan Towers

Built in the early 1900s, the Barzan Towers were used to monitor the arable land and wells in their surrounding area.
The Al Khor stone tower, Qatar, seen with a bright blue sky behind it

Al Khor Towers

Al Khor's defensive watchtowers stand over the ancient port.
A landscape view of the cliff showing its edges towering above land

Ras Brouq's White Cliffs

The beautiful and iconic rock formations at Ras Brouq offer a glimpse of a prehistoric landscape.
Three sets of rock carvings in a sand coloured stone comprising a series of small circular shapes, two parallel lines, and two additional boats

Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site

Al Jassasiya is arguably the most impressive of the dozen rock-carving sites in Qatar.
A close-up of the mangroves at Jazirat bin Ghannam island

Jazirat Bin Ghannam

The island of Jazirat Bin Ghannam on the east coast of Qatar reveals traces of human activity dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE.
Restored historic palace with arches and sand coloured buildings in the background

The Old Palace

The Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani is the largest artefact on view at the National Museum.
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Al Rekayat Fort

The fort of Al Rekayat is one of several desert forts dating back to the 19th century.

Our Publications

Book cover of The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition

This publication, complete with beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations, chronicles the Qatari traditions that are carried out during each stage of life.
Book cover of A Written Cosmos: Arabic Calligraphy and Literature Throughout the Centuries by Deniz Erduman

A Written Cosmos: Arabic Calligraphy and Literature Throughout the Centuries

This book looks at the history of literature in Arab culture and the reasons why calligraphy was to become its most original form of visual arts.
Book cover of Myths from Qatari Heritage by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

Myths from Qatari Heritage

This whimsically illustrated book shares the myths and legends that form part of Qatar’s cultural legacy.
Book cover of the Traditional Games: Story Series by Dr. Maha Al Hendawy

Traditional Games in Qatar

Shared across generations, these playful pastimes reflect society’s creativity in developing a child’s mental and physical skills.
Book cover Children's Rhymes in Qatari Society by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

Children's Rhymes in Qatari Society

This illustrated book presents a fascinating part of oral heritage: children’s rhymes.
Book cover Adventure through the Old Palace Gates by Dr. Kaltham Al Ghanim

Adventure Through the Old Palace Gates

Pass through the enormous wooden gates of the magnificent Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani Palace and learn what life was like during Qatar’s early modern period.

About Our Cultural Heritage Programmes

Two men kneeling on sandy desert ground using small tools to expose archeological remains at Al Zurbarah, Qatar

Cultural Heritage Management

We engage in archaeological fieldwork daily and are continuously excavating and conserving heritage structures across Qatar.
A view of Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani's residence at Al Wakra, Qatar showing the local architectural building style

New Life for Old Qatar

In addition to our work on forts, palaces and towers, our team gives new life to old buildings and historic areas.
A tall angular tower made from sand coloured material with an open doorway and crenellations around the top of the building

Cultural Heritage Education

Our programmes provide students, teachers, and families with the opportunity to visit heritage sites and experience the work of archaeologists.

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Architecture Sports Our Environment Contemporary Qatar

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