Al Zubarah Fort attracting thousands of visitors
Over 30,000 people visited Al Zubarah Fort and Archaeological Site in the first quarter this year, up 170 percent compared to the entire 2013 season, according to a report on The Peninsula.
This was the largest number of visitors Al Zubarah has witnessed following its restoration and redevelopment which involved the opening of a new Visitors Centre, improvements to facilities and site access, and outreach programmes for schools and communities.
The site gained Unesco World Heritage status last year. Its pristine archaeological remains offer a unique window into the foundations of modern Qatar and the development of the Gulf.
The site and associated activities, partially sponsored by Maersk Oil Qatar, have attracted people from all walks of life, making it Qatar’s leading historical attraction.
The town of Al Zubarah was founded in the late 18th century by pearl merchants of Basra and Kuwait.
The fortified, walled settlement is over 60 hectares in size with an intricate, planned network of public and private buildings.
Excavations being carried out by University of Copenhagen and Qatar Museums have revealed palaces, a commercial centre, mosques and residential buildings.
Read more at The Peninsula | Photo by djm129129
Big signs had to be put in place...i ended up driving all the way to what seems to be a military border facility while trying to find the small gate that would lead us to the archeological site...
This site has lot of tourist potential and it can increase to many times, if more of tourist friendly facilities are added up there.