Al Wakrah

The city was historically used as a pearling center during the period in which Qatar's economy was almost entirely dependent on the bustling pearling industry. According to the United States Hydrographic Office, by 1920, there were approximately 300 ships situated in the town. A following study carried out by the British in 1925 stated that there were 250 boats in Wakrah's port. Al Wakrah was thought to encompass the so-called 'Pirate Coast', as stated by a report written in 1898. Once the country began large-scale oil operations in the mid-20th century, Al Wakrah became more important due to its proximity to the Mesaieed Industrial Area, Qatar's main industrial manufacturing hub and oil terminal.

It has undergone extensive development and growth since the turn of the 21st century while also being steadily encroached on by rapidly expanding Doha from the north.