Al Zubarah coastal town is situated approximately 100 km north-west of Doha in the Madinat ash Shamal municipality. Founded in the mid-18th century, the town developed into a centre of the pearling and international trade and rose to become the country’s largest and most important settlement.

Abandoned by the mid-20th century, Al Zubarah is now an archaeological site, which covers an area of 60 hectares with remains of houses, mosques, large fortified buildings and a market.

Commenting on the inscription of Al Zubarah as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said "over recent decades, Qatar has emerged as a thriving cultural hub where traditions and history mingly with contemporary culture. Qatar is breaking new ground in creating institutions, musems and festivals that highlight its own history while showcasing and connecting with other cultures".

H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums and Chair of the World Heritage Committee said "culture, heritage and protection of what we cherish about our own past will also play an important in sustainable socio-economic development in the region, as culture and heritage tourism will contribute to the diversification of Qatar's economy over the next decade or so".

Al Zubarah was first reported as an archaeological site by a Danish-led team of archaeologists in the 1950s, and then excavated by Danish and Qatari teams. As a result of the studies conducted at the site, a large number of archaeological finds from the 18th – 19th centuries are now part of the National Museum of Qatar’s (NMoQ) permanent collection, and will be featured in the museum galleries.

The inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List is a unique opportunity for a country to build local and international awareness for the site and the values of the World Heritage Convention. Once a site has been put forward by the country, it goes through an evaluation process which can often last several years. Other sites that hold this title include the Yellowstone Natural Park in the United States of America and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.