Ancient forts are one of Qatar's historic landmarks that coupled with the values of chivalry, patience and diligence in Qatar's Heritage. The state worked on maintaining these forts and castles so that they remain witnesses over the centuries. These are:

Al Zubara Fort:

Al Zubara Fort lies 105km northwest of Doha. It is open for the public daily except on Fridays and Saturdays, and Entrance is free of charge.

Doha Fort (Al Koot):

It is one of the remaining military forts in Doha. It lies on Jassim Bin Mohammed Street and opens daily and the Entrance is free of charge.

Al Wajba Fort:

Situated 15 km south of Doha, Al Wajba Fort was built in the late 18th century or the early 19th century at the time of late sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani. It derives its historical importance from being the ground for a famous battle in which the Qatari people defeated the Ottoman forces in 1893, and from being the residence of Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani at various periods. The fort has rooms on the ground floor and upstairs and is well known for its four watchtowers. It was restored to its original state.

Umm Salal Muhammad Fort:

This fort lies in Umm Salal Mohammad area, 21 km from Doha. It is one of the residential forts that date back to the late 19th century.

Burzan tower:

Situated in Umm Salal Mohammed, the tower dates back to the late 19th century AD.

Souk Waqif:

Souk Waqif is one of the oldest popular souks (markets) in Doha.  It dates back to more than a century ago, and it is still popular to this day despite the presence of dozens of modern shopping centers in Doha. Souk waqif is characterized by its traditional architecture which reflects the architectural style in Qatar during the past decades. It is an interesting souk as it can be seen as a bit of a maze with various alleys that sell everything from perfume, national clothing, luggage, tents, spices, incense, oils, sweets, rice, nuts, dried fruits, and herbs.

Souk Waqif remained in its status for about a century until works for its restoration, preservation and development began in 2003 under the direct supervision and guidance of His Highness the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and his Heir Apparent HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. After extensive field study, a plan was developed to rehabilitate the Souk on an area of 160 thousand square meters. The souk can be regarded as a living memory of the Qatari society where originality and contemporary values interact. Its ancient history is full of elements and symbols having an effective role in the protection of the cultural identity.

From this perspective, strenuous efforts were deployed in Qatar at all levels, governmental, civil or individual to preserve this heritage. This was displayed in the rehabilitation of Souk Waqif project, which was performed in an astonishing way and became a prominent tourist landmark in the Gulf region. This souk has been reorganized in a modern way, without affecting its ancient style. Renovation works have added value to the place while on the same time preserving its historical charm, hence the decision of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to renovate Souk Waqif and resurrect the 30’s era in its corridors and galleries.