Souq Waqif

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●   Markets
●   Markets

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.


Things to do at Souq Waqif:

  • Visit the Gold Souq and act like Midas

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.

  • Experience the beauty of falcon up, close and personal

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.

  • View some horses and camels

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.

  • Indulge in retail therapy

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.

  • View some artwork

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.

  • Find the spices spilling out of jute sacks by following your nose

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.

  • Learn more about pearls

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.

  • Purchase some locally made cosmetics

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.

  • Consume well

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.

  • Appreciate public performances

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.

  • imageDuration Required
    2 hours

Address of Souq Waqif

Souq Wakif, Doha Qatar

Opening & Closing time of Souq Waqif

  • Monday
    10:00-14:00
    15:00-23:00
  • Tuesday
    10:00-14:00
    15:00-23:00
  • Wednesday
    10:00-14:00
    15:00-23:00
  • Thursday
    10:00-14:00
    15:00-23:00
  • Friday
    10:00-12:00
    15:00-23:00
  • Saturday
    10:00-14:00
    15:00-23:00
  • Sunday
    10:00-14:00
    15:00-23:00

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