"Port of Doha, Qatar" a Doha Travel Page by Travel2write

I was fortunate enough to make a brief stop here with USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) on the Oct. 11, 2004 for a three-day ground breaking visit. We were the first U.S. warship to visit the port in more than two years.

Harpers Ferry Sailors enjoyed the sights and venues of this city and were able to play host to a few young visitors from local schools.

Doha (population 370,000) is the capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf. Major industries are oil and fishing. Located near Doha is Education City, an area devoted to research and education.

The city was founded as Al-bida in 1850. The city became the capitol of the British protectorate Qatar in 1916. The Al Wajbah fort is in the southwestern part of the city and was build by al Rayyan in 1882. This fort witneessed the famous battle where the people of Qatar underneath the leadership of Sheikh Qassim beat the Ottomns in 1893. The Al Kout fort was built in 1917 by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Qassim Al-Thani and lies in the center of the city. In 1949 the city began exporting oil. The Government House opened in 1969 and is considered the nation's most prominent landmarks. In 1971 it became the capitol of the independent Qatar. The Doha University opened in 1973. The National Museum of Qatar opened in 1975 which was originally the palace for the ruler in 1912. The 15th Asian games will be held in the city in 2006.

To me, the country seemed very protective of its culture and faith. Limits all of the vices found in many of the neighboring countries. No Booze, no women and very conservative. All of that withstanding, I really liked the visit.