Umm Salal Muhammed is a town located in the Umm Salal municipality of Qatar. It is situated approximately 21 kilometers north of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. The town is bordered by Umm Salal Ali to the north and Al Kharaitiyat to the south.
The town is known for its historic places, including the Barzan Towers, which were built in the late 19th century and renovated in 1910 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. These towers are located at the southern side of the defensive system established at the end of the 19th century and start of the 20th century to protect the ‘rawdat’, a valley. Umm Salal Muhammed was initially founded around 1910 by its namesake.
Despite being one of the smallest municipalities in Qatar in terms of its size and area, Umm Salal Muhammed is a place of great prestige. The municipality is termed as the ‘mother of rock’ given the meaning of the words used to derive its name. The word UMM means mother while Salal refers to rocks and stones.
Geography and Demographics
Umm Salal Mohammed is a municipality in the State of Qatar. The town is bordered by Umm Salal Ali to the north and Al Kharaitiyat to the south. Qatar’s capital, Doha, is located 21 km to the south. Other distances include Al Khor – 23 km to the north, Al Wakrah – 35 km to the south, Zubarah – 52 km to the northwest, and Dukhan – 65.2 km to the west.
Population and Urban Development
According to the latest population census conducted on December 31, 2020, the population of Umm Salal municipality was 149,701. The population has been steadily increasing over the years, with 25,413 people in 2015 and 60,509 people in 2010. The urban development in Umm Salal is relatively slow compared to other municipalities in Qatar, but there are plans for further development in the future.
Geographical Features
Umm Salal Mohammed is located at 25.4167° N, 51.3167° E coordinates. The municipality covers an area of 317.9 sq. km, and the population density is 190.4 persons per sq. km. The geographical features of Umm Salal include rocky terrain, with the municipality being known as the “mother of rock.” The town has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Umm Salal Mohammed is also home to several historic places, such as the Barzan Tower. The municipal headquarters of Umm Salal is located in Umm Salal Ali, which is about 10 km from the coast and 15 km north of Doha, the Qatari capital.
History and Culture
Umm Salal Muhammad is a municipality in the northern part of Qatar, located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The area is known for its rich culture, steeped in tradition and history. The municipality has a unique cultural identity that is worth exploring.
Historical Significance
The area has a significant historical background that dates back to the early 20th century. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Jassim Al Thani, the founder of the municipality, played a vital role in the development of the region. The Sheikh was a prominent figure in the Arabian Gulf region and was known for his contributions to the growth of Qatar. The municipality has preserved its historical significance by maintaining traditional architecture and landmarks, such as the Barzan Towers.
Cultural Identity
Umm Salal Muhammad is a culturally rich municipality that celebrates its traditions and customs. The people of the municipality follow the Islamic faith and celebrate religious events such as Ramadan. The area has a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, which reflects the cultural identity of the region. The municipality has a vibrant community that values hospitality, generosity, and respect for others.
Here are some interesting facts about the culture of Umm Salal Muhammad:
- The municipality has a rich heritage of traditional music and dance.
- The people of Umm Salal Muhammad are known for their excellent craftsmanship, including weaving, embroidery, and pottery.
- The area has a unique cuisine that includes traditional Qatari dishes, such as Machboos and Harees.
In conclusion, Umm Salal Muhammad is a culturally rich municipality that has a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The area has a significant historical background and celebrates its cultural identity with great pride.
Landmarks and Attractions
Umm Salal Muhammad is a municipality located in the northern part of Qatar, just 25 kilometers away from the capital city of Doha. The area is known for its rich history, which is reflected in its numerous landmarks and attractions. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Barzan Towers
The Barzan Towers are two watchtowers located in Umm Salal Muhammad. They were built in the late 19th century by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, the founder of the village. The towers were used to watch over the surrounding areas and protect against potential threats. Today, the Barzan Towers are a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the area’s rich history.
Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers
The Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers are a group of historic buildings located in the town of Umm Salal Mohammed. The towers were built in the 19th century and served as a fort to protect the area from potential invaders. Today, the towers are a popular tourist attraction and a testament to the area’s rich history.
Visitor Attractions
Umm Salal Muhammad is home to several other visitor attractions, including:
- Barzan Olympic Park: a large sports complex that includes a football stadium, an indoor arena, and several other sports facilities.
- Umm Salal Stadium: a football stadium that is home to the Umm Salal Sports Club.
- Umm Salal Oasis: a beautiful oasis located in the heart of the municipality. The oasis is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Whether you’re interested in history, sports, or nature, Umm Salal Muhammad has something to offer. With its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Qatar.
Economy and Industry
Umm Salal Mohammed is a town in Qatar that is known for its diverse economy and thriving industries. The town has a population of over 30,000 people and is located 21 km north of Qatar’s capital, Doha.
Local Industries
The primary industry in Umm Salal Mohammed is construction. With over 3,200 employees, the construction industry is a major contributor to the town’s economy. The town also has a significant agriculture industry, with over 2,000 employees working in the sector. The agriculture industry produces a variety of crops, including dates and fruits. Seafood is also a popular cuisine in Umm Salal Mohammed, and the town has a thriving fishing industry.
Retail and Commerce
Umm Salal Mohammed has a vibrant retail and commerce industry, with over 1,500 employees working in the sector. The town has several shopping centers, including the Umm Salal Central Market, where visitors can find traditional Qatari products, spices, textiles, and local handicrafts. The town is also home to an IKEA store, which is a popular destination for shoppers.
As Qatar prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Umm Salal Mohammed is expected to see an increase in tourism and economic activity. The town’s diverse economy and thriving industries make it a promising destination for investors and entrepreneurs looking to do business in Qatar.
Infrastructure and Transport
Umm Salal Muhammed is a rapidly developing area in Qatar with a focus on providing world-class infrastructure and transport facilities to its residents. The area is well-connected to the rest of the country through a network of roads and expressways. The following subsections provide more details on the infrastructure and transport facilities in Umm Salal Muhammed.
Roads and Expressways
Umm Salal Muhammed is located at the west of Al Shamal Road and is part of the Roads and Infrastructure Development Project by the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’. The first package of the project aims at providing integrated infrastructure that will be constructed with advanced services along with internal streets to improve streamlined traffic flow and linking with public utilities to be constructed in the area in the future. The project is progressing in full swing and the first package is expected to be completed soon.
In addition to this, Umm Salal Muhammed is well-connected to the rest of the country through various expressways. The Doha Expressway and the D-Ring Road connect the area to Doha city center and other major areas such as Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah. The North Road, which is currently under construction, will provide a direct link between Umm Salal Muhammed and Lusail city.
Public Transportation
The area is served by the Doha Metro’s Green Line, which has a station in the nearby Al Kharaitiyat area. The Green Line connects Umm Salal Muhammed to various other areas in Doha such as Education City, Al Sadd, and Msheireb Downtown Doha. The metro is a fast and convenient mode of transport for residents and visitors alike.
Apart from the metro, Umm Salal Muhammed is also served by various bus routes operated by the Mowasalat company. The buses provide a reliable and affordable mode of transport for those who prefer not to use their own vehicles. The area also has a taxi service, which is available 24/7 and can be booked through various mobile applications.
In conclusion, Umm Salal Muhammed is a well-connected area with a focus on providing world-class infrastructure and transport facilities to its residents. The area’s proximity to major expressways and the Doha Metro’s Green Line make it a convenient and accessible location for both residential and commercial purposes.
Education and Institutions
Educational Facilities
Umm Salal Muhammed is home to several educational facilities that cater to the diverse needs of students in the region. These facilities provide quality education and ensure that students are well-equipped to face the challenges of the future.
- Royal Grammar School Guildford Qatar: This independent, British curriculum school for boys and girls is located in the quiet and convenient area of Um Salal Mohammed. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum that combines academic excellence with a strong focus on personal development. The school enjoys close and convenient transport links to Qatar’s main areas, including The Pearl, Madinat Khalifa, Gharaffa, West Bay, and surrounding areas.
- Qatar Finland International School: This school offers a comprehensive and challenging education program that is based on the Finnish National Curriculum. It provides students with a solid foundation in academic subjects while also promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The school is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
- International School of London Qatar: This school offers a unique and challenging international education program that is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It provides students with a broad and balanced education that emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and global citizenship. The school is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that values and respects the cultural backgrounds of all its students.
In addition to these schools, there are many other educational institutions in Umm Salal Muhammed that provide quality education to students of all ages. These institutions offer a wide range of programs and services, including early childhood education, primary and secondary education, vocational training, and higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions in Umm Salal Mohammed?
- Barzan Towers is a popular tourist attraction in Umm Salal Mohammed. These towers are also known as Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers.
- The Umm Salal Health Center is a modern facility that provides high-quality healthcare services to residents and visitors.
- The municipality has several parks and playgrounds for families to enjoy.
How can one find a house in Umm Salal Mohammed?
- Prospective residents can contact local real estate agents to help them find available properties.
- Online real estate listings can be a good source of information for people looking to rent or buy a house in Umm Salal Mohammed.
What is the historical significance of Umm Salal Mohammed?
- Umm Salal Mohammed was founded in the early 1900s and has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Islamic era.
- The town played an important role in the development of Qatar’s economy and was a center for pearl diving and fishing.
How does one travel from Umm Salal to Doha?
- The best way to travel from Umm Salal to Doha is by car or taxi.
- The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
What public transportation options are available in Umm Salal?
- The municipality has a bus service that connects it to other parts of Qatar.
- Taxis are also readily available in Umm Salal.
How can one locate the street numbers in Umm Salal Mohammed?
- Most streets in Umm Salal Mohammed have visible street signs that display the street name and number.
- The municipality’s website also provides a map of the town that can be useful for locating specific streets and buildings.