The history of Qatar spans from its first duration of human occupation to its formation as a modern state. Human occupation of Qatar dates back to 50,000 years ago, and Stone Age encampments and tools have been unearthed in the Arabian Peninsula. Mesopotamia was the first civilization to have a presence in the area during the Neolithic period, evidenced by the discovery of potsherds originating from the Ubaid period near coastal encampments.
Reconstructed ruins in Zekreet, on the west coast of Qatar near Ras Abrouq.
A historic fort in Umm al-Ma'a.
Zubarah Fort
Pearl fishing in the Persian Gulf, early 20th century.
Doha is the capital city and main financial hub of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf coast in the east of the country, north of Al Wakrah and south of Al Khor, it is home to most of the country's population. It is also Qatar's fastest growing city, with over 80% of the nation's population living in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, known collectively as the Doha Metropolitan Area.
Image: West Bay district of Doha seen from the corniche at night
Image: Modern buildings in West Bay from Dareen Tower
Image: Entrance of Amiri Diwan of Qatar
Image: Souq Waqif, Doha, Catar, 2013 08 05, DD 84
