Doha Fort (AlKoot Fort)

The Doha Fort, also known as Al Koot Fort, is a medieval military bastion in the middle of Doha, Qatar's capital city. It was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, also known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 to 1949 after his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, abdicated in his favor. Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani renovated the Al Koot Fort after the Ottomans abandoned it in 1927. Although some historians claim that Sheikh Abdulla erected the Al Koot Fort to safeguard the Souq Waqif from known thieves, it was first established as a police station in 1880 and later utilized as a jail in 1906. In 1978, it was extensively renovated. It was one of the most significant forts of the period.

The fort houses Qatari traditional handicrafts, items, and images of daily life with illustrations. Handicrafts, gypsum and wooden ornaments, fishing equipment and boats, historical images and paintings, including oil paintings of craft workers and daily life, are among the exhibits and artworks. The Al Koot Fort is located in the Al Bidda district, near Doha Corniche, in the center of the famed Souq Waqif, and is today a popular landmark, museum, and tourist destination, particularly for foreigners.

Year built: 1880

Location: Ukaz St, Doha, Qatar

Hours: Mondays - Sundays: 8 AM- 12 AM

Phone: +974 6699 5477

Entrance: Tickets required