Title: Ruwayda in Madinat ash Shamal | Expedia.co.uk [Ruwayda Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Ruwayda-Hotels.0-l553248635979545607-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Madinat ash Shamal](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Madinat-Ash-Shamal.d6205563.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Madinat ash Shamal](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Madinat-Ash-Shamal.d6205563.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Ruwayda Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Ruwayda.d553248635979545607.Car-Hire-Guide)[Madinat ash Shamal Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Madinat-Ash-Shamal.d6205563.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Ruwayda ## Visit Ruwayda Activities [Madinat ash Shamal travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Madinat-ash-Shamal.dx6205563) --- --- #### One of the largest archaeological sites in Qatar gives you an idea of how locals lived along the northern coast before the 1800s. Just a few decades ago, the Ruwayda site appeared to be simply mounds in the ground. Today, however, archaeologists using the latest technology have discovered the outlines of artifacts from a major settlement on Qatar’s northwestern coast. Visit Ruwayda to see what has been excavated so far and learn about ongoing plans to unearth and preserve more of this fascinating spot. Ruwayda appears to have been a fairly large village, 220 acres (90 hectares) in size, stretching 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) along the coast. Early historians thought Ottomans occupied the settlement, but archaeologists now believe Ruwayda was built by the Portuguese in the 1500s. Note that the round tower of a large fort facing the ocean suggests the defensive structure was of European design, with the tower capable of supporting a cannon. Besides the fort, one of the largest discovered in Qatar, the settlement had wells, mosques, warehouses, courtyard homes, tombs and a palace. Objects found here indicate the village had a prominent role in maritime trade. Excavated artifacts include porcelain from Asia, earthenware from Bahrain, ceramics from Europe and mangrove beams from Africa. Gaze out over the shallow bay and imagine trading ships or pirates arriving from distant lands in ancient times. Learn about the site’s modern archaeology efforts, which are funded by Qatar Foundation. Excavation of Ruwayda began in 2009 with traditional hand tools. More recently, Andrew Petersen of University of Wales Trinity Saint David has begun using high-tech tools to enhance the process. Drone photography and thermal imaging help archaeologists assess what lies beneath the surface and focus on where to dig. Drive northwest from Doha to Ruwayda near Al Ruwais in less than 2 hours. Renting a four-wheel drive or joining an organized tour is advisable for traveling to the region’s interesting rock formations and other historic sites. Combine visits to Al Jumail, Al Thaqab Fort, Al Arish and Zekreet Fort to see the latest information being gathered about the past along Qatar’s coastline. Be respectful of archaeological fragility when visiting any of these historic sites. Bring plenty of water for the journey. ## Plan a trip to see Ruwayda Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Premium Strato Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116850000/116847100/116847081/1495f409_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Premium Strato Hotel £646 per person 6 May - 13 May found 1 day ago Return flight included Edinburgh (EDI) to Doha (DOH) 7.4/10 Good! (9 reviews) I love old school, intimate vibe of the Strato. Also, the staff treat you like family. Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 ![WATERFRONT HOTEL APARTMENT](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74640000/74630700/74630659/w3504h1576x0y0-59526189_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### WATERFRONT HOTEL APARTMENT Save 100% on your flight £764 per person 17 Apr - 23 Apr found 1 day ago Return flight included London (LHR) to Doha (DOH) 4.8/10 (5 reviews) The staff were great , very helpful and accommodating . It was hard to communicate in english but for the most part things were okay . As for the cleanliness , the couches were not clean , the mattress was very hard to sleep on and there were no iron board , iron or hair dryer (we had to ask for them). The place is surrounded by construction , we could hear some noise on the third floor. The road was mostly closed due to construction so we had to find a path around the hotel to take the high way. Lusail city is very beautiful .there are a-lot of land marks and food options . We enjoyed our time touring the city. Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025 ![The Avenue Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/15000000/14750000/14740200/14740119/3735e86c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Avenue Hotel Al Sadd Save 100% on your flight £807 per person 19 Mar - 26 Mar found 12 hours ago Return direct flight included Birmingham (BHX) to Doha (DOH) 8.4/10 Very Good! (210 reviews) Very good, clean and quiet hotel. Thank you🌷 Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026 ### Popular places to visit ![Al Jumail](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635979545608/ad48de02-89f9-4560-bfc9-9d464678ac49.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Al Jumail Find out about the history of Madinat ash Shamal when you take a trip to Al Jumail. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Al-Jumail-Madinat-ash-Shamal.d553248635979545608.Attraction) ![Madinat ash Shamal](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6205563/3ebeedd7-27c8-4cbd-94a5-907e1fce6d5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Al Rakayat Fort Near a deep freshwater well, this fort provided protection for the critical water supply for the residents of the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Al-Rakayat-Fort-Madinat-ash-Shamal.d553248635979545605.Attraction) ![Madinat ash Shamal](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6205563/3de70b6b-443c-4704-8ea5-96df99ef5aaa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Al Thagab Fort See a restored fort that is typical of centuries-old defensive structures built to guard wells across northern and western Qatar. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Al-Thagab-Fort-Madinat-ash-Shamal.d553248635979545606.Attraction) ![Freiha](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635981034923/30aff65b-a46a-4276-975c-75cf6eed3744.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Freiha This abandoned settlement in northwestern Qatar is a must-see for those interested in archaeology and ancient history. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Freiha-Madinat-ash-Shamal.d553248635981034923.Attraction) ![Madinat ash Shamal](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6205563/2b13bf85-9c82-408c-b3b9-40cebd63aa46.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Zubara Fort After visiting Zubara Fort, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Madinat ash Shamal. Take in the museums while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Zubara-Fort-Madinat-ash-Shamal.d6116582.Attraction) ![Fuwairit Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621562866271/7d145276-39f0-4604-aeef-ac3b25ec9ae1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Fuwairit Beach Soft sands, sunrises and kite surfing bring visitors to this very quiet beach in northern Qatar where turtles come to lay their eggs. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Fuwairit-Beach-Al-Ghariyah.d553248621562866271.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Ruwayda [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=2026-02-12&endDate=2026-02-13)[12 Feb - 13 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=2026-02-12&endDate=2026-02-13) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-14)[13 Feb - 14 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-14) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635979545607&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) ![Zulal Wellness Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78140000/78131700/78131661/w5887h3927x0y0-e090f8c1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Zulal Wellness Resort Street 319, Zone 79 Madinat ash Shamal [](https://expedia.co.uk/Madinat-Ash-Shamal-Hotels-Zulal-Wellness-Resort.h78131661.Hotel-Information) ![Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/49000000/48670000/48664200/48664178/6a58bfef_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Khasooma District Zone 79 Madinat ash Shamal Al Shamal [](https://expedia.co.uk/Madinat-Ash-Shamal-Hotels-Zulal-Wellness-Resort-By-Chiva-Som.h48664178.Hotel-Information) ![Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection By Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88620000/88612400/88612337/0b338ecb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection By Hilton Exit 79 Fuwayrit Al Shamal [](https://expedia.co.uk/Fuwayrit-Hotels-Fuwairit-Kite-Beach.h88612337.Hotel-Information) [See all 4 properties in Ruwayda](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=553248635979545607) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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