Fuwayrit is a Qatari coastal village in the municipality of Ash Shamal approximately 90 km north of the capital Doha. It is an important site for Qatar's oil industry. Archaeological evidence suggests that it may have been settled as early as the 16th century. Previously, it was one of the most important towns in the northern sector of Qatar, having served as the seat of power for the Al Thani who had migrated here during the 18th century, prior to relocating to Al Bidda in 1847.

Al Shamal is a municipality in the state of Qatar. Its seat is called Madinat ash Shamal and it is considered to be one of the major cities in Qatar, although the population is barely over 7,000. The seat's name translates to "city of the north".