Al Khor Museum

Al Khor Museum, Corniche, ☎ +974 4472 1866. This quaint museum overlooking the seafront pro-vides good views over the harbor from the second floor. It showcases archaeological artifacts from the Al Khor region dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, as well as specimens of local ma-rine life. An additional exhibit illustrates the legend of Ghilan and Mae, one of whom was the region’s first female pirate and believed to be from Al Khor. Free.Dhow harbour. Traditional dhows are still used for fishing here, although their sails have long since been replaced by diesel engines.

Fish market. Early morning to late evening, except for Friday midday prayer. This is a good place to pick up fresh seafood from the day’s catch.

House of Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Missned. This is the birthplace of Sheikha Mozah (the second wife of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar). Although the house has not been main-tained, it is a good example of traditional Qatari architecture. It is closed to the public, but can beviewed from the outside.

Watchtower, Al Corniche. This defensive watch-tower was built in 1900 and is now fully restored. It is located in a small park with a pleasant view over-looking the Corniche and the beach. There is a sec-ond watchtower along the North Road. Free.

Purple Island (Jazirat bin Ghanim, or Al Khor Is-land). This small island, linked to the mainland via an earthen walkway through the mangroves, has seen human activity for the past 6000 years. The name comes from a purple dye from shellfish which were harvested here 3000 years ago. There are a number of archaeological sites on the islands, as well as old shell middens. This is also a good place for birdwatching and crabbing.

Simaisma Mosque, Simaisma (17 km south of Al Khor). Built in 1938 using traditional materials of coral, rock, and sun-baked mud. Non-Muslim vis-itors are advised to refrain from entering, but can freely view the building from the outside.