Souq Waqif - Doha

The State of Qatar is a small country in West Asia. Doha is the capital city of Qatar. In Doha, there are too many swanky malls for shopping. However, Souq Waqif is one destination that offers a unique shopping experience.

The word "Souq Waqif" means the standing market. It is perhaps the only place in Doha that maintains the original architecture and traditional feel. This market was started in the early 1900s. After a major fire accident in 2003, the entire market was renovated; however, it was ensured the antique feels was not messed up.

The lanes and covered passageways with hundreds of mini stores on both sides have thick and tall mud-coated stone walls. Additionally, the large wooden doors and ceiling made of bamboo take us literally to the olden age.

Locals, as well as foreigners, are attracted to this place. You can literally find everything in this market, although it is famous for its antiques and spices. The shops that sell similar products are arranged together in a single lane, and this design helps even foreigners to plan better on what to look for.

It is common to find the locals in their traditional dress having a cup of tea in open-air traditional-style cafes and restaurants. Antique stores that display different types of antique items are more attractive than any other section of the market. Everything is available here: spices, sweets, garments, jewels, perfumes, souvenirs, and many more. There are porters who push wheelbarrows to move materials from one shop to the other or even to help the buyers to their parking place.

Shopping or merely relaxing - whatever your objective as a tourist, this is the place to go.

Happy travelling.