This past weekend, we were delighted to visit a city showcasing admirable modernity, a hallmark of Qatar’s development in recent decades.
We ventured north, 154km from the capital Doha, to reach the city of Al Ruwais, nestled along the Arabian Gulf. Our first impression was the ease of navigating the well-signposted and secure transportation routes.
During our short trip, we witnessed a landscape that clearly exemplified the country’s remarkable progress, achieved in harmony with environmental protection. We were particularly fascinated by the transformation of once-desert land into flourishing green spaces resembling giant oases. This transformation fosters a unique flora and fauna in this part of the world.
We were hosted by a gracious individual, Ali Hussein al-Sada, who expressed immense pride in his family’s centuries-old roots in the region. He shared stories of their traditional customs and values, reflecting a time when the challenges of daily life were vastly different. Al-Sada embodied the genuine kindness characteristic of those who persevere in their pursuit of progress, a hallmark of developed nations like Qatar.
Our tour of Al Ruwais revealed a thriving city with well-planned and aesthetically pleasing architecture. The city boasts visitor attractions that seamlessly blend with the maritime landscape, a testament to the enduring traditions of a culture deeply connected to the sea – a connection that historically facilitated communication and trade with other territories.
We were impressed exploring the Al Mina Market at Ruwais Port. It offers a fascinating range of goods brought in by traders from across the region, reflecting Qatar’s rich maritime trading history.
We had the unforgettable experience of witnessing how the ecological process of reforestation has fostered the adaptation of fauna and flora similar to those native to the peninsula, including a remarkable variety of birds from other continents.
Furthermore, we visited a treasure trove of knowledge – a library housing countless publications that highlight Qatar’s rich Arab historical and cultural heritage, alongside a diverse collection of written works.
The city’s distinctive port was truly admirable. Here, deep-draft wooden boats continue to ply the waters, carrying on the proud legacy of Al Ruwais’ ancestors in Qatar’s north.
Finally, the typical city of Al Ruwais deserves to be visited.
A view of the Al Ruwais port.
