What is "freiha"

Freiha, also called Furayhah, is a small deserted settlement on the north western coast of the Qatar peninsula in the Madinat ash Shamal municipality. It is located in the Zubarah region being 3 km north of Zubarah town, and was founded by the Al Bin Ali tribe , main and principal Utub tribe in the first half of the eighteenth century along with the historical town of Zubarah,.

The age and origin of the settlement is unknown, however excavations and historical documents suggest that it was at its peak in the 17th–18th century, almost certainly pre-dating its larger neighbour Al Zubarah. The village covers an area of approximately 50 hectares, extending for 700m north to south along the coast and approximately 200m east to west inland. It is sited around a shallow bay.