Country Qatar Area 214 ha | Municipality Al Khor Local time Wednesday 5:17 AM | |
 | ||
Weather 18°C, Wind NW at 6 km/h, 73% Humidity | ||
Simaisma is a small seaside town located on the eastern coast of Qatar 30 km north of the capital Doha. It was demarcated in 1988. This town is characterized by old houses and mosques that are relics from the days before oil and natural gas were discovered in Qatar.
Contents
Map of Sumaysimah, Qatar
History
J.G. Lorimer's Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf gives an account of Simaisma in 1908:
A walled village on the east coast of Qatar, situated at the bottom of a small bay about midway between Lusail and Al Khor. One mile east of it, at the southern point of the same bay, is the village of Al Daayen, with which it is intimately connected. Sumaismah is inhabited by about 250 families of the Al Bu Kuwarah [Kuwari] tribe, and there are also a few Kibisah [Qubaisi]. There are 50 pearl boats [manned by 600 men] here, also 10 other sea-going vessels and 10 fishing boats. Livestock include 6 horses and 70 camels. Drinking water is obtained from the wells of 'Awainat Bin-Husain, 4 miles to the westward: near the village there is also a small well called Khariqat Sumaismah, but its water is bitter.
Attractions
Simaisma has a youth centre. Its Kashta exhibition opened on 18 October 2014. The exhibition showcases materials related to heritage, folk crafts and camping. A recreational facility known as Simaisma Olympic Park was opened in June 2012.
Murwab Hotel Group launched Simaisma Resort in February 2016. The resort has 52 villas and 4 restaurants.
Transport
Simaisma is connected to the main highway in the municipality through Simaisma Road, a 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) carriageway. There is no public transport in the town.
Education
The town's first formal school for boys was opened in 1957. One year later, a school for girls was opened. Simaisma's public schools only provide primary education. Students typically continue their secondary education in Al Khor.
Sports
Simaisma hosted the first point of the final stage of the Tour of Al Zubarah in December 2015. It also hosted part of the second stage of the 2016 Tour of Qatar.
A small football stadium is located in the town which serves its amateur football team. Simaisma FC won the non-professional Al Frjan League two times in a row in 2013 and 2014.
Archaeology
Plaster vessels purposefully designed to resemble Ubaid pottery were found in Simaisma through an archaeological expedition. Also found in the town were two circular burial mounds dating to the 5th century B.C., the earliest burial sites yet discovered in Qatar.