In Qatar’s northwest, the remains of the abandoned fishing village of Al Jumail can still be seen, with the crumbling ruin of the village mosque and minaret standing out among the sand.

Founded at the beginning of the 19^th century, this ghost town was inhabited well into the 20^th, before the economic boom brought about by oil and gas caused people to move into the main cities.

The village houses were built in the traditional mode, with thick walls to keep out the heat, usually consisting of overlapping coral rock and limestone. The stones are held together with a mud mortar, and coated over with a gypsum-based plaster. The houses were built around the mosque, which is customarily at the center of such townships.

Al Jumail is currently fenced off from the public as an archaeological site, where the remains of pottery shards, beads and glass are still being unearthed. However, you can still drive up close to the ruins and get a clear view of them.

The village may be reached by taking the north road towards Al Khor from Doha, and taking U-turn at the Al Zubarah sign. Drive as though going towards Al Zubarah fort, but turn right just before the fort, while it is visible on your right side. Al Jumail’s coordinates are N 26° 05' 46.89" E 51° 09' 21.94". Happy driving!

PC: Alexey Sergeev