| Madinat ash Shamal الشمال | ||
 | ||
| State | Qatar | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | 859.8 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 7.975 (2011) | |
| Time zone | UTC 3 | |
Position
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Madinat ash Shamal (or Ash Shamal) is a city of Qatar.
To know
The sea is teeming with dau local.
Geographical notes
Located in the northernmost point of the Qatar peninsula, this area is almost totally desert and devoid of reliefs, occasionally interspersed with vegetation that grows in correspondence with some inhabited areas.
When to go
The best time is undoubtedly winter when daytime temperatures are acceptable. In the other seasons the area becomes hot and devoid of a shady spot for miles.
How to orient yourself
Madinat ash Shamal: full screen map.Fractions
- 1 Al Ruwais - little more than a quiet fishing village as well as the northernmost city of the Qatar peninsula.
- 2 Abu Dahlouf
- 3 Al Ghariya (Al Ghariyah) - A partially abandoned photogenic fishing village, active during the Qatari pearl harvesting years. There is also a good beach with fishing grounds a little further north of the old scout camp.
How to get
By car
The journey to Al Ruwais from Doha by road is just over 110km, the furthest point from the country's capital. The journey should take approximately one hour and 20 minutes along Al Shamal Road.
By bus
Buses of line 101 and 100 (schedule) travel from Al Ghanim bus station, Doha, to Al Ruwais and its surrounding towns, with a journey lasting 2 hours - 2 ½ hours respectively. The first service to Al Ruwais leaves Doha at 06:20, while the last bus to Doha leaves at 20:35. Buses may be affected by changes and disruptions to service, therefore it is recommended that you call Mowasalat to confirm first on 974 4458 8888.
How to get around
By public transport
There are some buses. For details see below.
By car
Certainly the most suitable means of transport, being a sparsely inhabited area.
What see
Al Zubarah - An ancient fort and a city by the sea listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
- 1 Petroglyphs of Jebel Jassassiyeh (Al Jassassiya) (Take the road towards Al Jassassiya). A collection of about 900 petroglyphs, depicting subjects such as fauna and local boats. There are also cup-shaped geometric depressions, which were thought to have been used for traditional Arabic games using stones as counters. Recent studies date the oldest of these sculptures to be around 250 years old.
- 2 Fort Al Rakiyat (Al-Rekayat Fort)) (15 km north of Zubarah, next to a camel farm. Turn inwards at Al-Khuwair radio station, drive 200m off-road, 4WD not required).
Free. 
Free access. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, restored in 1988. The fort is known for having three square towers and a round tower, and was built with coral, limestone and mud brick.
Free. 
Free access. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, restored in 1988. The fort is known for having three square towers and a round tower, and was built with coral, limestone and mud brick.
- 3 Fort Al Thughab (Al Thaghab Fort) (2km from Al Rakiyat Fort). Free. Free access. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries and restored in 2003. Similar to the Al Rakiyat fort, this fort also features three square towers and one round tower. It is located inside an abandoned village.
- 4 Al Jemail (Al Jumail) (visible from the highway). An abandoned fishing village, founded in the early 17th century and completely abandoned in the 1970s with the transition of the Qatari economy to one based on mineral resources. The site is now under the protection of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage and can only be visited with prior approval from the Qatari museum authority. Arrangements can also be made through Doha-based tour groups.
- 5 Al Khuwair (on the waterfront, behind a group of radio towers). A traditional fishing village abandoned in the 1970s. The name "khuwair" refers to a small channel of sea water.
- 6 Al Arish (Al Areesh). An abandoned fishing village, inhabited from the beginning of the 19th to the end of the 20th century. 'Areesh' is the Arabic word for a shelter made from date palm fronds.
Events and parties
What to do
- 1 Fuwairit Beach, Al Shamal Rd (Q1) (the sign for the beach is just before bridge 79). Popular for kitesurfing and notable for unusual eroded rock formations. Watch out for the rocks in the water.
- 2 Ruwais Beach (Abu Dhalouf Beach), Al Shamal Rd (Q1). This quiet waterfront sits directly on a small spot directly north of Al Ruwais and features a few coves and picnic benches, shady areas and restrooms. Various birds and flamingos can occasionally be spotted, and at high tide visitors can catch shrimp and crabs.
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
- Iskendar Kebab, Al Ruwais (towards the beach). Offers great fatayers and shawarma.
Where stay
- Al Ghariya Resort Qatar, ☎ 974 4472 8822, fax: 974 4472 8877, @[email protected].
- Camping. The beaches of Al Ghariyah and Fuwairat are ideal for camping
Safety
- 1 At the Shamal Health Center, Abu Dhalouf Rd, ☎ 974 4473 1232. Clinic
How to keep in touch
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Madinat ash Shamal
Commons contains images or other files on Madinat ash Shamal
