Record number of visitors at Al Zubarah

The Al Zubarah fort and archaeological site has recorded this season the largest number of visitors so far. In the first three months of 2014, more than 30,000 people visited the new visitor centre, Zubarah settlement and archaeological excavation site, which is already a 170% increase compared to the entire 2013 season. This is following its recent restoration and redevelopment involving the opening of a new visitor centre, improvements to facilities and site access and a series of outreach programmes to schools and communities.Al Zubarah Archaeological Site gained Unesco World Heritage status last year. Its remarkably pristine archaeological remains offer a unique window into the foundations of modern Qatar and the development of the Gulf. The site and associated activities are partially sponsored by Maersk Oil Qatar and have proved successful at attracting a wide range of people.Sheikh Faisal al-Thani, deputy managing director at Maersk Oil Qatar, said: “We are delighted that the redevelopment of Al Zubarah has been such a success and that so many people are exploring Qatar’s rich heritage. Through our social investment programme, Maersk Oil is proud to support this important site, which is closely tied to the history and culture of our nation. The Unesco World Heritage status also means that this is a regionally and internationally recognised site, which is a great achievement.”“Visitors are encouraged to experience and engage with the excavation and history of this site through photos, displays and walking tours, which we hope will raise awareness of the value of this site, to Qatar and the Gulf,” said Faisal al-Naimi, director of Archaeology at Qatar Museums. The newly opened visitor centre at Al Zubarah fort hosts activities for adults and children. Every weekend during the last few months, visitors enjoyed the touch of Qatar’s tradition, with tents outside the fort where one could experience traditional food, beverage and handicrafts as well as camel rides.The town of Al Zubarah was founded in the late 18th century by the pearl merchants of Basra and Kuwait. The fortified, walled settlement site is over 60 hectares in size with an intricate, planned network of public and private buildings. Modern excavations, being carried out by the University of Copenhagen and Qatar Museums, are revealing palaces, a commercial centre, mosques and residential buildings.