Al Rakiyat Fort

Al Rakiyat is a small fort in the northwestern desert, roughly square with three round towers and one rectangular, restored in the 1980s and standing entirely alone in flat gravel with no settlement anywhere near it. It was most likely built in the nineteenth century. It guarded wells rather than a town, which is why there is nothing around it now. The restoration rebuilt much of the upper wall, so what stands is partly modern work on old foundations.

History

The fort was most likely built in the 19th century to protect the freshwater supply of the area, and it is thought to have been lived in until the 20th century. Qatar Museums began excavating and restoring it in 1988, finding an Abbasid coin of 749-846 that does not by itself date the fort, and completed a second restoration with traditional materials in 2022 (Wikipedia, Ar Rakiyat Fort).

Highlights

• The mismatched towers - three round and one rectangular at the corners.
• The isolation - a fort standing alone in flat empty desert.
• The courtyard - the enclosed space with rooms along the walls.
• The well purpose - a post built to guard water rather than a settlement.

When to go

November to March is the comfortable season. Late afternoon light is best on the walls. Summer heat in the open desert is severe.

Before you go

The fort is small and empty and an hour is generous. There is no interpretation and no facilities. It is often locked and the visit is then exterior only.

Nearby

Al Zubarah is southwest, and Al Jumail is north.

Key facts