Qatar: Qatar Museums' Archaeology Department has announced two Open Days at the archaeological excavation sites of Ain Mohammed and Mesaika in northern Qatar. Taking place on Feb. 28 and March 14, 2026, the events will offer the public a unique opportunity to visit active excavation sites that form part of the ongoing "Landscapes of Faith" research project, now in its fourth year.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Open Days will feature guided tours between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM, led by professional archaeologists working on the sites. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the excavation areas, learn about recent discoveries, see archaeological finds up close, and some participants may try their hand at some aspects of excavation work under expert supervision.
Dr. Robert Carter, Director of Landscapes of Faith at Qatar Museums, stated that the project is uncovering remarkable evidence about life in Qatar during the Abbasid period. The discoveries suggest that Ain Mohammed and Mesaika once functioned as organized textile workshops, providing valuable insights into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there. Carter emphasized the importance of sharing this journey of discovery with the public and highlighted the project's contributions to understanding Qatar's historical landscapes and daily life during the Abbasid period.
The research project focuses on archaeological sites dating from the first to third centuries of Islam (7th-9th centuries CE), a transformative era marking the transition from Christianity to Islam in eastern Arabia. More than 30 sites from this period have been identified across Qatar, primarily in the northern region. Ain Mohammed and Mesaika are of particular interest due to their large, complex structures and evidence linked to textile production, offering fresh insights into economic life during the Abbasid period.
Qatar Museums has invited the public to witness archaeology in action. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable closed shoes and bring a filled reusable water bottle. Both sites are easily accessible by car.