The Souq Waqif, which was constructed on the location of Doha's century-old trading market on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb, looks out of place, especially against the city's striking modernist architecture.
With its mud-daubed structures, the market evokes a bygone period while continuing to be a center of activity where business and gossip collide.
In the Middle East, gold jewelry is still very popular, and browsing the souq's gold department may feel how important it is to the culture there.
Gold Souq provides everything you need, from elaborate headpieces and multi-tiered necklaces to more commonplace things.
In Souq Waqif, there is a Falcon Souq where you can see the magnificent birds up close and take pictures with one perched on your arm as the shopkeeper keeps an eye on you.
To observe these adorable animals, visit the camel pen close to the Falcon Souq, or make your way to the Emiri Stables, where stunning Arabian horses rule as the heritage police conduct their daily patrols of the souq.
The stores that line the souq's lanes beckon with various useful and fantasy wares. The souq rewards treasure hunters with artifacts from the area, including shoes, antiques, and handicrafts. The melancholy oud, among other native drums, flutes, and string instruments, can be purchased by aspiring musicians.
The Souq Waqif Art Centre features the works of local and visiting artists, all of which are offered for sale, and is decorated with lovely woodwork, hand-painted tiles, and vibrant lanterns open for sale.
This is where you may get exotic Arabic aromatics like saffron, zater, sumac, dried flowers, dried black lemons, and countless varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves, and coffee beans, in addition to whole or crushed spices.
In the past, the pearl business was centered in Qatar. You can talk to the owner of the pearl shop, a former pearl diver, find out more about the lost craft of pearling, and view the numerous varieties of white, pink, and grey pearls there.
Many regionally distinctive perfumes and cosmetics, such as oudh and musk, may be obtained at the souq, along with custom-made perfume, eyeliner, argan oil, and henna design stencils. Get a fresh henna tattoo created by an on-site artisan as a momentary keepsake.
The souq contains cuisine to satisfy any hunger, from restaurants to street vendors. In the central courtyard, local women offer a variety of goods, including samosas, stuffed vine leaves, meat stews, and sweet dumplings. If street food is not your prefernce, check out Shay al Shamoos for karak tea and regag, Al Jasra for Makhboos (traditional rice dish), Bander Aden for fahsa (slow-cooked lamb stew in clay pots), and Al Aker Sweets for delectable kunafas and baklava.
The souq is busiest during the cooler months when local or regional organizations offer cultural acts. While celebrating the yearly Shop Qatar festival or the Eid celebrations, there are frequently costume parades and street entertainment.
Duration RequiredSouq Wakif, Doha Qatar
4.5
