Souqs of Qatar

Since ancient times, traders and merchants have congregated in traditional markets to both socialise and provide for the daily needs of the local community.

These souqs are still very much part of modern life in Qatar. Some specialise in a particular product area such as fish, fruit and vegetables, or spices. Others cover a vast and varied range of different items such as clothing and fabric, gold and jewellery, spices or kitchen wares.

Souq Waqif

A cultural hotspot, Souq Waqif includes a covered labyrinth lined with shops and stalls selling spices, dried fruit, nuts, textiles, Arabic oud and incense, pots and pans, and much more. Getting lost and enjoying the atmosphere is a fun way to spend a morning or an evening. Remember to haggle with the shopkeepers! Follow up your shopping by dining at one of Souq Waqif's many restaurants. For more information, see Souq Waqif in the Discovering Qatar section, which includes a map of the souq area and a detailed description of what the souq has to offer. Opening times: 10 am – noon/4 pm – 10 pm; restaurants generally remain open all day until late.

Gold Souq

In Souq Al Najada on Ali bin Abdulla Street, in front of Al Najada Doha Hotel, is the new Gold Souq, a block of over 40 shops that specialise in quality 18‑ and 22‑carat jewellery. Gold is often beautifully handcrafted by second and third generation skilled craftsmen, many of whom will be happy to make up a piece of jewellery to your own unique design, as well as resize, repair or buy gold from you. To sell gold you need a purchase receipt or authorisation from the police.

Traditional 'bridal jewellery' is on display in many of the shops – solid gold belts, headdresses, necklaces and hair ornaments, given to Qatari girls by their future husbands prior to the wedding. Gold is priced according to the weight of the gold on the day’s market, whether it is hand or machine crafted. Prices are significantly lower here than in most other parts of the world, and with skilled bartering you can walk away with a really good bargain. Look out for pearls, which used to be Qatar’s economic backbone.

The older, second gold market is located behind Souq Al Faraj near the old Karwa bus station around Ali bin Abdulla Street and Al Ashat Street.

Souq Al Wakra

Built to look old and traditional, Souq Al Wakra (Heritage Village) gives one a feeling of having stepped into the past.

The small shops in the complex resemble conventional Qatari buildings featuring walls with a mud coating and classic big wooden doors and lanterns. The ceilings of the roofs are made of palm leaves.

The souq also houses a mosque with gates and a walkway made of wood and a well symbolising the old lifestyle in Qatar. Its ample parking space and fresh sea air make a welcome difference. Souq Al Wakra welcomes visitors to swim or just relax on its beach from 10 am – 6 pm under the supervision of lifeguards.

While travelling from Doha to Mesaieed, it’s located to the left.

Other souqs

There are dozens of souqs across Qatar. It depends on what you're looking for.

For affordable ready made clothing, fabric, tailoring, electronics, carpets and more, visit Souq Al Ali, Souq Al Asiery, Souq Al Dira, Souq Al Jabor, Souq Al Madina (Central Souq) or Souq Najada.