Al-Shaibani / Al-Mushaqar Park

Near Al-Qarah village on the eastern side of the oasis spreads Al-Mushaqar Park (formerly Al-Shaibani Park), a green retreat of dense plantings with open lawns, a folk souq and family play areas. The place carries the name of the famed pre-Islamic Mushaqar fortress — known in early Arabic sources as the 'fort of Hajar', mentioned in the accounts of Arabia's celebrated battle-days and neighbour to the Mushaqar market, one of the pre-Islamic Arab fairs — though scholars still debate the original fort's location between Al-Battaliyah, Jawatha and Al-Qarah. At the park's heart stands the 'Mushaqar Palace', a modern building raised in homage to that ancient stronghold, now the park's centrepiece and icon.