Located 34.7 miles (56 km) from Doha, Al Khor – Arabic for stream – is a coastal town in northern Qatar known for its port of traditional dhows and fishing boats. The port of Al Khor is considered one of the cradles of Qatar. It was founded in the 18th century by the Al Muhannadi clan of seven Bedouin families who lived off fishing and pearl oyster harvesting. The city of about 200,000 inhabitants became part of the State of Qatar after 1971. Connected to Doha by a six- to seven-lane wide highway, Al Khor is home to many of the Emir of Qatar’s family on account of its slightly lower temperatures than those in the capital.