North of Qatar Tour: Olafur Eliasson Art & Zubara Fort

Walk through a 20th-century fort and an abandoned pearling village, then reach the northeast tip of Qatar where the land ends.

This 4-hour private tour covers the northern coast of Qatar with a live English-speaking guide, taking in Zubara Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the 19th-century ruins of Jumail Village, and an art installation by Olafur Eliasson at the country's northeastern point. Hotel pickup is included. The tour runs with air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and tea or coffee on board. The total duration includes travel time between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore northern Qatar heritage sites

• Visit Al Zubara Fort UNESCO site
• Explore abandoned Al Jumail village
• See northeast tip of Qatar

The experience

Zubara Fort anchors the first part of the day. Built in the 20th century, it stands as the most prominent feature of the Al Zubara Archaeological Site and earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition for its preservation and its place in Qatar's formative period. The fort is the youngest structure on the site, but its presence dominates the landscape and the history written into it.

From there, the route moves to Jumail Village, an abandoned settlement founded in the 19th century by the Alkubaisi family. For over a century it thrived as a pearling and fishing hub until the petroleum and gas boom drew people toward the main cities in the mid-20th century. What remains is the village itself (the buildings, the layout, the silence) a snapshot of a way of life that ended when the economy shifted. The guide walks you through what was there and why people left.

The tour ends at the northeast tip of Qatar, where you stand at the country's edge. This is where the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson has installed new work: a site-specific piece in a landscape most visitors never reach. The combination of the remote location, the historical weight of the fort and village, and the contemporary art creates a sequence that moves backward and forward through time in a single afternoon.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water, tea and coffee on board.
• WiFi during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day20 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Adventure Time Tourism

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Doha or another city without a rental car. The private pickup means you don't arrange transport to the northern coast, and the guide handles the route and the history at each stop, so the day unfolds without navigation or planning on your end.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Zubara Fort and why does it matter?

Zubara Fort is a 20th-century structure at the Al Zubara Archaeological Site, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its preservation and its role in Qatar's formative period. It is the most prominent feature of the site and the youngest structure there.

What will I see at Jumail Village?

Jumail Village is an abandoned 19th-century settlement built by the Alkubaisi family as a pearling and fishing center. The village was inhabited well into the 20th century until the petroleum and gas industry drew residents to the main cities. The structures and layout remain as a record of that earlier way of life.

Where is the Olafur Eliasson art installation?

The installation by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson is located at the northeast tip of Qatar, the endpoint of the tour. It is a site-specific work in a remote location most visitors do not reach on their own.

How does pickup work for this tour?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price. The guide will collect you from your accommodation and return you at the end of the 4-hour tour, which includes all travel time between stops.

What is provided during the tour?

The tour includes private air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and tea or coffee on board. WiFi is also available during the drive.