One of the most stunning examples of early 20th century architecture in Qatar happens to be right in the center of the city. Al Koot Fort most commonly known as the Doha Fort, is a historical military fortress located in the heart of Doha, Qatar’s capital city. It was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, better known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 until 1949, after Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh Abdullah’s brother, abdicated in favor of him. The fort was later converted into a museum.

first Al koot fort was used primarily as a police station to protect the nearby Souq WaqifIt and also was used as a jail, the square-shaped white fort has towers – three circular and one rectangular – crowned with traditional Qatari-style battlements at each corner.