Al Rayyan Fort

Al Rayyan Fort, locally also known as Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Fort, lies in the suburb of Al Rayyan in the municipality of Ar Rayyan in Qatar.

I could not find any historical information about Al Rayyan Fort. I don't know if the name Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Fort was given to the fort just to honor this sheikh or that he was the builder. If it is the latter, then that would implicate that the fort was built in the early or middle 20th century. Which would be consistent with that time as it has exceptionally long curtain walls, suggesting that it was built not for real active defense, much like Al Wakrah Fort which was also built in that era.

On the north side of the fort, just on the other side of the road, I found another fort-like structure. It is clearly a modern building but it was disused and looked peculiar. Does anybody know what this structure was used for?

At present Al Rayyan Fort is encompassed on three sides by building sites which doesn't add to its attractiveness. It can not be visited. Too bad because I was curious about the interior of such a large fort.

Gallery

The fort-like structure