Popularly known for topping lists related to financial wealth, Qatar has now made it to another type of list. At the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee conference staged in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Archeological Site of Al Zubarah in Qatar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Al Zubarah has long been an appreciated historical site as most of its archaeological discoveries dug up in the 1950s are now on display at the National Museum of Qatar. Located on the northwestern coast of the peninsula, Al Zubarah was a vibrant and prosperous pearl fishing and trading port in the 18-19th century. The well-preserved coastal region is an example and a reminder of the importance of the Gulf’s economic dependence on trading before the discovery of Oil.
Burned down in 1811, what remains of the 60 hectares of this historic coastal town are ruins of houses, mosques, and a market. Al Zubarah has now joined popular historical heritage sites such as the Yellowstone Natural Park in the United States as well as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on the UNESCO list.
For more information about Al Zubarah and how to plan a trip to it, visit www.alzubarah.qa
– Nauf Al-Saif
Images: www.alzubarah.qa
