For a glimpse of Qatar’s traditions and cultural heritage, a visit to Doha’s Souq Waqif is an absolute must. Souq Waqif has long been an integral part of life in Doha, but following a period of neglect, it was restored in 2004 to its former glory, now resembling a historical 19th century souq.
Souq Waqif is one of the most popular places to socialise in Doha and it has two contrasting sides – a narrow, maze-like market and the slick, open walkway lined with Asian and North African restaurants, ice cream parlours cafes where you can drink fresh mint tea, smoke flavoured shisha and take in the bustling atmosphere.
Translated as ‘the standing souq’, it was originally the trading place where the Bedouin would bring their cattle and wool. Today, Souq Waqif combines a traditional market place with a strong arts and culture programme and has been used as a filming location for a number of films including ‘Dohard’ and ‘The Haggler’, shown at the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
Souq Waqif offers every emblem of Qatar that you could possibly think of and fragrance lovers will be particularly drawn to the bespoke blended perfumes, pure essential oils, oud, incense and rosewater.
For more sensory delights, browse the spice stores with huge sacks of Basmati rice, pistachios and peanuts and fragrant spices and herbs including whole rosebuds, dried lime, sumac, saffron, star anise, dill, rock salt and turmeric.
One of my favourite spots in the souq was a shop filled with hand-carved decorative wooden boxes, swords, lutes, bow and arrows and nazar jewellery and cute trinkets. In many of the shops, each item is priced, but local sources say that bartering is acceptable and expected.
Traditional Qatari dress can also be bought at the souq. For men, they sell thobes and accessories including the ghutra, the cloth worn on the head and the ogaal, a black or brown braided coil placed on top of the ghutra and sandals. Women can pick up an abaya, pashmina or a beautifully embroidered scarf.
The shop selling Qatar kitsch, including ‘I Love Qatar’ t-shirts, lighters and bunting of the Emir of Qatar were a more amusing discovery! There are plenty of cheap and fun souvenirs to bring back home but this shop also sells useful travelling bits and pieces such as disposable cameras, film and batteries.
Souq Waqif is within walking distance of the Corniche and the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art, which is one of the most inspiring, breathtaking places in Doha. Plan a whole afternoon to explore the museum, take a walk along the Corniche and finish with some shopping (and bartering) and a bite to eat at Souq Waqif.
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