30 Fascinating Photos Capturing Street Scenes of Doha, Qatar in the Mid-1960s

In the 1960s, Doha was a small, traditional port town undergoing rapid transformation due to Qatar’s burgeoning oil wealth. The city began to experience urban development, with modern infrastructure projects, roads, and buildings emerging. Traditional mud-brick houses gave way to concrete structures, marking the start of Qatar’s modernization.

The population grew steadily, and the economy shifted from pearl diving and fishing to oil and gas, laying the foundation for the country’s future prosperity. Despite these changes, much of Doha retained its cultural heritage and traditional way of life during this period.

These fascinating photos were taken by Anne Elliott when she lived in Doha, Qatar, for about six months in 1966-67.

Doha market, Qatar, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

A visit to the market, Doha, Qatar, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

A donkey and a camel searching for food, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

A Qatari treat, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Among the dhows, Doha seafront, Qatar, 1966-67

Back of the Ruler's Palace, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Children living in the Gold Souq, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Doha seafront, Qatar, 1966-67

Dressed in all its finery, taken in the desert outside Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Dressing the camel, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Jewelry maker, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Market and gathering place, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Part of the Old Fort, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Preparing the feast, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Preparing the meal, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Qatari children, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Ride of a lifetime, on a helicopter ride from Doha, Qatar to the Seashell oil rig, 1966-67

Saker falcon, outside Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Sandal-sellers, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Seafront at Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Seafront fishermen, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Seafront scene, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Shamal sky, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Shark on Sidewinder oil rig, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Sheep and cattle along the seafront, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Sunset over Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Sunset over Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

The Clock Tower, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Time for coffee, Doha, Qatar, 1966-67

Tomato market in Doha, Qatar, 1966-67