City Center Doha: The Centre of Shopping in Qatar
By Ola Diab
City Center Doha is one of Qatar's oldest and largest shopping malls providing a one-stop spot for almost every need.
Every year in Qatar is marked with the opening of a new mall or shopping destination. With more than two decades of modern retail development, Qatar has become an attractive market for retail brands and shoppers as it has one of the world’s highest per capita GDPs.
With the high temperatures in the summer, shopping malls are a favourite pastime for residents and visitors of Qatar. A combination of comfortable incomes, increasingly expensive tastes and luxury brand awareness in Qatar has opened the door to a string of grade A retail developments and outlets. Residents of Qatar can choose from a wide selection of shopping malls and centres in the country.
Early this year, Qatar saw the opening of the first mall in Mesaieed, Waddan Mall. Other new malls and shopping centres opened in 2021–22: Giardino Mall (Lulu) in The Pearl Island, Printemps Doha in Doha Oasis, Place Vendôme in Lusail City, Msheireb Galleria in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), Abu Sidra Mall in Bu Sidra and J-Mall in Hazm Al Markhiya.
Souqs
Although the shopping malls in the country are mostly new, the history of shopping centres dates back to at least a hundred years ago. Souqs were the main shopping destinations before Qatar’s economic boom in the 1990s, which led to the development of several modern shopping complexes. Still standing today, the Middle Eastern low-rising
souqs such as the popular Souq Waqif feature several shops, selling an array of spices, delicacies, perfumes, jewellery, clothing and handicrafts. Malls, department stores and other shopping centres
After the souqs came the malls and department stores. Qatar is known for a few home-grown luxury department stores. A notable example is Fifty One East (51 East), previously known as Modern Home, which has been operating since the 1950s. Today, the department store has branches in several places, both stand alone and in malls. 51 East is the flagship store of Lagoona Mall. 51east.com
It wasn’t until 1978 that Qatar saw the opening of the first shopping centre, The Centre. It is owned by one of Qatar’s largest business houses, Ghanem Al Thani Holdings, under the leadership of Sheikh Ghanem bin Ali Al Thani. The Centre today spreads across a sales floor of over 12,000 sq m with parking for more than 300 cars.
For several years, residents of Qatar would shop at either souqs or The Centre. In 1997, Equinox – the commercial real estate developer behind the upcoming North Gate Mall – developed the first modern retail development or shopping mall in Qatar. Located on D Ring Road, The Mall featured much of what is there today – Highland, Hallmark Cinema Land, Opera Café and more. It’s been recently slightly expanded with new restaurants and stores. themalldoha.com
FEATURE
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA
Then came City Center Doha
Before the early 2000s, residents of Qatar could not obtain many top international brands locally, which led to people travelling abroad to purchase certain brands and products. Once 2000 rolled in, Qatar began a journey of developing an influx of shopping malls.
One of Qatar's first malls is City Center Doha, which opened in 2001. Its opening was widely celebrated in Qatar as it was the first mega mall to open in the country.
In addition, City Center Doha opening was marked by the opening of the first Carrefour in Qatar. In addition to Carrefour, the mall was the first home to many popular international brands in Qatar such as Debenhams and Virgin Megastore.
At the time, the 300,000 sq m mall was considered the largest mall in Qatar and the ideal shopping destination, boasting several shops and restaurants, the largest cinema in Qatar featuring IMAX and 3D film screens for the first time in Qatar, the first ice rink, two of the largest indoor theme parks and play areas, and more.
City Center Doha was one of the few buildings that lit up Al Dafna, with nothing surrounding it, but for a few landmarks such as the nearby Doha Corniche and the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.
The five-star hotels that stand by the mall today, such as Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, City Center Rotana Doha, and JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, came much later. Other popular hotels and buildings that surround it today such as the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) did not exist then.
More than 20 years of City Center Doha
Today and more than 20 years later, City Center Doha is still one of the largest and most popular malls in Qatar, boasting nearly 300 shops and 85 restaurants. It provides a wide variety of famous international, regional, and local retail brands and services, spread across the five floors. It also features a range of leisure and entertainment
activities, including Cineco Thirteen, a 14-screen cinema complex; Inflata Park, a 1,000 sq m inflatable park; and Fun City, one of the largest and first indoor amusement parks for children and families in Qatar.
In 2021, City Center Doha celebrated its 20th anniversary. It brought many new changes to the mall, including the opening 15 new restaurants; a new extension on the second floor with easy access to adjoining hotels Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, and City Center Rotana Doha; and a new outdoor area called Soho Square located near the entrance of the mall which features premium coffee shops, restaurants, outdoor seating and landscape overlooking a new water fountain. Some of the new stores that opened recently include English Home, Adidas originals, Levi’s, H&M, Sushi Library, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, Tea Time, Krispy Kreme, &deli, Topazz, and Stenders, among other favourites.
More than 15 new restaurants, including Pizza Box, South Street Burger, KFC, Chef Alfareej and Cheese Fountain, have opened in a new food court area on the east side, as well as a kids’ playing area. Also new at City Centre Doha is a gold market, which features gold shops from different countries in the region.
Throughout the year, visitors have the chance to witness a range of spectacular events, shows, and seasonal events and activities targeting different age groups.
The mall offers convenience with other services such as banks and ATMs, exchange and money transfers, travel agencies, courier services, watch and shoe repairs, prayer rooms, baby rooms, bathrooms and more, providing a one-stop spot for almost every need.
Parking at the mall is ample; however, it is paid parking. Car wash services are available at the parking area with additional charges.
For more information, visit citycenterdoha.com
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA
Shopping in Qatar
Going to shopping malls, souqs or other shopping destinations is the most popular pastime in Qatar. People enjoy going to shopping destinations to shop, eat, watch movies or just walk.
No VAT or Sales Tax in Qatar ensures prices are competitive with other shopping destinations. However, the General Tax Authority (GTA) implemented the Excise Tax Law (No 25 of 2018) on 1 January 2019 on 'health-damaging' goods, with a 100% tax on tobacco and alcohol products, energy drinks and special purpose goods, and a 50% tax on carbonated drinks.
Note: A 2015 government directive mandates all shops are required to close for 90 minutes for prayer around midday on Friday. Usually from 11:30 am – 1 pm.
Malls
Qatar continuously witnesses the opening of new malls. Early this year, Qatar saw the opening of the first mall in Mesaieed, Waddan Mall. Other new malls and shopping centres that opened in 2021–22 are Giardino Mall in The Pearl Island, Printemps Doha in Doha Oasis, Place Vendôme, Msheireb Galleria, Abu Sidra Mall and J-Mall. The first shopping and entertainment mall to open in Qatar was The Mall, which opened in 1997. Prior to The Mall, residents shopped at The Centre since the 1970s.
Malls vary in size, but all provide an opportunity for shopping, entertainment and dining. Many banks in the malls are open outside normal banking hours. Shopping festivals occur throughout the year offering great discounts, special offers and prizes.
Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
There are many local and international hypermarkets and supermarkets in Qatar both in and outside malls. Popular international hypermarkets include Carrefour carrefourqatar. com, Family Food Centre (FFC) family.com. qa, Lulu Hypermarket and Lulu Express qatar. luluhypermarket.com, Mega Mart, Monoprix monoprix.qa, and Spar Hypermarket spar-qa.com. Other hypermarkets include Safari Hypermarket safarihypermarket.com, Marza Hypermarket marzahypermarket.com, Saudia Hypermarket saudiagroup.com, Shoprite and more. Al Meera Consumer Goods Co is one of Qatar’s leading retailers with the largest network of branches, consisting of at least 50 stores, almeera.com.qa
Retailers give shoppers the opportunity to earn points and rewards with free apps that can be downloaded on all iOS and Android devices:
• Air Miles shopping rewards scheme. airmilesme.com
• Aura Rewards, formerly known as Alshaya Card, is a loyalty programme and mobile app where you can earn and redeem points when you shop or dine at brands operated by Alshaya Group. alshaya.com
• Blue is a loyalty programme and mobile app by Al Futtaim Retail Group that lets you shop at their group brands across the GCC and Egypt while earning rewards every time. mybluerewards.com
• Family Club is a loyalty card by FFC, which allows its cardholder to earn points and redeem them at all FFC outlets. familyclub.qa
• Festival Rewards is a customer loyalty mobile app by Doha Festival City, which gives you access to exclusive offers, special sale events, freebies and discounts. dohafestivalcity.com
• Lulu app makes you a LuLu Loyalty member where you can earn points and redeem them at all Lulu outlets. luluhypermarket.com
• Meera Rewards is Al Meera's loyalty programme and mobile app. almeera.com.qa
• MyClub app from Carrefour Qatar. Valet Trolley service provides free home-delivery to MyClub cardholders for purchases of QAR250+ when shopping in-store. carrefourqatar.com
• Nojoom app from Ooredoo. ooredoo.qa
• Shukran loyalty programme from Landmark Retail Ltd which includes Centrepoint. shukranrewards.com
Banks have also teamed up with retailers to make similar offers. Doha Bank and LuLu Hypermarket entice customers with the LuLu-Doha Bank shopping credit card providing customers with 5% savings on purchases at their stores throughout Qatar. QNB LIFE Rewards loyalty programme offers its debit and credit customers rewards at three levels of membership, dependent upon salary. Other companies such as Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) have QIC Advantage Club qicadvantageclub.com
QGrabs and My Book Qatar offer a different shopping concept – members can take advantage of great deals when shopping, dining, or using health and beauty facilities: qgrabs.com and mybookqatar.com. The Entertainer and Urban Point are money-saving 2-for-1 and discount apps with thousands of offers that renew every month: theentertainerme.com and urbanpoint.com
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023
Qatar
Shopping in
MALLS & OTHER SHOPPING CENTRES
OPENING TIMES
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE
01 Mall E3 4478 1662 facebook.com
02 Mall A3 4460 7512
03 Mall D4 4029 3974
21 High Street B4 5009 3823 21highst.net
Abu Sidra Mall E2 5511 4425/4496 9888 abusidramall.com
ALHAZM C3 4411 1444 alhazm.com
Al Khor Mall 4453 3445 alkhormall.com
Al Asmakh Mall (Centrepoint) D3 4428 9141
B. Square Mall E4 4041 0000 bsquaremall.com
DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS
Al Sulaiman Jewellery & Watches, Startech Middle East, Toys Valley
Al Abed Roastery, Care n Cure Pharmacy, Saloon Sea Palace, Startech Middle East
Caribou Coffee, Wellcare Pharmacy
Galeries Lafayette Doha: 100% Capri, Beauty Hive, Cartier, David Morris, Graff, Joseph, Richard Mille, Van Cleef & Arpels
Al Tulu Flora, babyshop, Bath and Body Works, City Lifestyle, Home Box, Splash, Le Cheval Jewelry, Lulu Department Store
Al Jazeera Perfumes, Hadarah Perfumes, Il Bernardo, Little Ones, Razza, Scentsation, Sole Avenue, Style de Vie
Bath & Body Works, City Lifestyle, Claire's, Daiso, Giordano, Mothercare, Mumuso, Nayomi, Payless, Splash
Centrepoint (babyshop, City Lifestyle, Shoemart, Splash), Emax,
300 Bowling Centre, Kidsland, Outlet 63, Paintball, Saving Square
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA Shopping in
Qatar
MEAT & FISH TAKE AWAY BAKERY
Fri
7:30
– midnight Fri
11 am – noon Sun – Wed 10 am – 10
Thu – Sat 10 am – 1 am
Fri
11 am – noon
Daily
Fri closed
am – noon
10 am – 10 pm Fri 1 pm
pm Daily
am
pm
SUPERMARKETS MAP REFERENCE Daily 8 am – 11 pm Sat – Thu 7:30 am – midnight
closed 11 am – 12:30 pm Sat – Thu
am
closed
pm
Daily 8 am – midnight
closed
Daily 9 am – midnight
8 am – midnight
11
Sat – Thu
– 11
10
– 11
Homecentre
Mega Mart ✘ ✘ ✘ 8 am – 10:45 pm FFC ✔ ✔ ✔ 7:30 am – midnight Spar ✔ ✔ ✔ 7:30 am – midnight SNAN Food Hall ✘ ✘ ✘ 10 am – 10 pm LuLu ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight ✘ ✘ ✘ LuLu ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Al Meera ✘ ✘ ✘ 8 am – midnight Spar ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight
21 High Street
Abu Sidra Mall
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A neighbourhood mall in Ain Khaled.
A neighbourhood mall in Al Daayen.
A two-storey mall with skylight roof in New Salata.
A high-end luxury openair shopping mall in Katara Cultural Village.
A three-level mall in Al Rayyan with over 200 retail and F&B outlets.
Exclusive luxury brands in a fashionable setting.
Over 60 stores open over two levels.
Two levels with underground parking.
Two levels of family entertainment with 300 parking spaces.
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023 Shopping in Qatar
FOOD AREA RESTAURANTS BANK ATM EXCHANGE TRAVEL AGENT ENTERTAINMENT FOOD MONEY & TRAVEL UTILITIES IN BRIEF PLAY ZONE AMUSEMENTS BOWLING ALLEY CINEMA ICE RINK GYM ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Novo Cinemas ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔
Farah Play Area
Farah Play Area ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘
OOREDOO VODAFONE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR LAUNDRY
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FunVille ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ Cineco Three Fun City ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ Velocity ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ Roxy Cinema ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ DHL Desk ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ALHAZM Al Khor Mall ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ Concierge ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘
Area
City Center Doha C4 4493 3355 citycenterdoha.com
Dar Al Salam Mall E3 4016 3573 facebook.com
Doha Festival City B2 4035 4444 dohafestivalcity.com
Doha Oasis D4 4410 6262 doha.printemps.com
Doha Souq D3 4041 0000 dohasouq.qa
Ezdan Mall C3 4433 4141 ezdanmall.qa
Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra F5 4433 4545 ezdanmall.qa/al-wakra
Giardino Mall B4 The Pearl Island 4463 9888 thepearlqatar.com
Gulf Mall C3 4031 0600 gulfmalldoha.com
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE
Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm
Thu 10 am – midnight
Fri 1 pm -- midnight Paid parking
Accessorize, Aldo, Debenhams, Homecentre, Inglot, MaxFashion, Nayomi, Pets & More, Promod, Splash
Centrepoint, Bath & Body Works, MaxFashion, Merch, Mothercare, Nayomi, Payless, The Body Shop
Debenhams, Harvey Nichols Doha, H&M, Kipling, Marks & Spencer, Naturalizer, Ted Baker, Victoria's Secret
Printemps Doha: Ascher, Dilek Hanif, Ganni, La DoubleJ, Persée, Pupchen, Valentino Garavani, Vever, Wadha
Jumbo Electronics, Lez Watches, Madam Prestige, Saving Square, Sports For Less, Wooden Bakery
Aéropostale, Anotah, Athlete's Co., Bath & Body Works, Neal's Yard Remedies, New Yorker, Riva, The Toy Store
7:30 am – midnight
Daily 8 am – midnight
Sun – Thu 9 am – 10 pm
and Sat 9 am – 11 pm
American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Footlocker, H&M, LC Waikiki, R&B, Tim Hortons, Vision Express, Voile
BLSH, Eye Express, Lulu Connect, Lulu Fashion Store
Adidas, Antique Corner, Babyshop, Bath & Body Works, Matalan, Morgan, R&B, Sephora, Splash, Victoria's Secret
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA Shopping in Qatar MEAT & FISH TAKE AWAY BAKERY
MALLS OPENING TIMES
DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS
SUPERMARKETS MAP REFERENCE
Sat -- Thu 10 am – 10 pm Fri 2 pm -- 11 pm
Sun – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Thu – Sat 10 am – 11 pm
Sun – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Thu 10 am – midnight Fri 1 pm – midnight Paid parking Sat – Thu 7:30 am – midnight Fri closed 11 am – 12:30 pm Daily 7:30 am – midnight Daily
Fri
Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – 10 pm Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Monoprix ✔ ✔ ✔ 10 am – 11 pm ✘ ✘ ✘ Family Mart ✔ ✔ ✔ 7:30 am – midnight Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 7:30 am – midnight Carrefour ✘ ✘ ✘ 7:30 am – midnight Lulu ✔ ✔ ✔ 7 am – midnight Al Meera ✔ ✔ ✔ 7 am – midnight
City Center Doha
Doha Festival City
Over 200 shops on four floors.
Neighbourhood mall over two floors.
Over 500 outlets, ranging from day-to-day shopping to high-end fashion.
One of the largest luxury department stores in the Middle East.
Four-storey neighbourhood mall in Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St.
Three levels with over 170 stores.
The first and only mall in Al Wakra; two floors with parking for more than 1,500 cars.
A small shopping centre in The Pearl Island with Lulu's 20th store.
Three levels with shaded parking.
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023
in Qatar
Shopping
FOOD AREA RESTAURANT BANK ATM EXCHANGE TRAVEL AGENT ENTERTAINMENT FOOD MONEY & TRAVEL UTILITIES IN BRIEF PLAY ZONE AMUSEMENTS BOWLING ALLEY CINEMA ICE RINK GYM OOREDOO VODAFONE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR LAUNDRY ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ Key Cutting ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ DHL Desk ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Fun City ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ Qatar Bahrain Cinema Thunderdome ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ Kiddyzone Seven entertainment areas ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ VOX Cinema ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ Opening soon ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ FunVille ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘
KiddyZone ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ Opening soon ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘
Fun ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ Cineco
FunVille,
Go
Doha Oasis
Ezdan Mall
Hyatt Plaza D2 4499 9666 hyattplaza.com
J-Mall B3 4488 4888/3307 4854 jmallqatar.com
Lagoona Mall (Zig Zag Towers) B4 4433 5555 lagoonamall.com
Landmark Mall C3 4487 5222 landmarkdoha.com
Mall of Qatar C1 4034 6000 mallofqatar.com.qa
Mirqab Mall D3 4036 2777 mirqabmall.com
Msheireb Galleria D4 4008 4777 See their social media pages
Palms Mall C3 4435 0294 palmsmall-qa.com
Place Vendôme A4 4144 0000/5002 2260 placevendomeqatar.com
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE
Sat – Wed 9 am – 10 pm
Thu 9 am – 11 pm
Fri 2 pm – 11 pm
Daily 24/7
Aldo, Charles & Keith, Daiso, Highland, HomesRUs, Laura Ashley, LC Waikiki, Nayomi, Pari Gallery, Rasasi, Triumph
Al Fazal Perfumes & Cosmetics,
Thu -- Sun 10 am – 10 pm
Fri 2 pm – 11 pm
Sat – Wed 9 am
Daiso, Edumart, High End Furniture, Lavender, The Nails Room
51 East, Armani Exchange, Bang & Olufsen, Bridal Lounge, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa, Rituals, Table Arts
Sat – Wed 10 am
BHS, Bershka, Boots, Borders, H&M, Holika Holika, Lush, Marks & Spencer, Mac, Migato, Sephora, Zara
Adidas, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Bulgari, Call It Spring, Calvin Klein, Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret
Sat – Wed 10 am
Aljazeera Perfumes, Armani Exchange, Bershka, Daiso, Damas Jewellery, BHS, illy, Lush, Mango
More than 30 pop-up shops, inclduing Fallini, Phonebooth, Spaceship
Al Jazeera Perfumes, Gorgeous Couture, Jumbo, Sports Corner, Technical Care Center, Zohoor Al Reef
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA Shopping in Qatar MEAT & FISH TAKE AWAY BAKERY
MALLS OPENING TIMES
& A SELECTION OF SHOPS
MAP
Al Meera ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Marza ✔ ✔ ✔ 24/7 Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – 10 pm Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 9 am – midnight Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Monoprix ✔ ✔ ✔ 9 am – midnight Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Monoprix ✔ ✔ ✔ 9 am – 10 pm
DEPARTMENT STORES
SUPERMARKETS
REFERENCE
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10 pm
Thu 9 am – 11 pm
Fri 1:30 pm – 11 pm
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–
–
11 pm Thu & Fri 10 am – midnight Sat – Wed 10 am
10 pm Thu & Sat 10 am
11 pm Fri 10 am – 11 pm
–
10 pm Thu 10 am – 11 pm Fri 10 am – 11 pm Paid parking
Sat – Thu 9 am – noon Fri 1 pm – midnight
Sat – Thu 10 am – 1 am Friday 1 pm – 1 am
Lagoona Mall
Mall of Qatar
Jungle Zone
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✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ 300 Bowling Center
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Flik Cinemas
Circus Land
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Cinema Land
XtremeLand/KidzMondo
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Novo Cinemas
Funderdome/Hangout/Jump
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Mostly one level with over 100 outlets and kiosks.
Neighbourhood shopping mall in Hazm Al Markhiya.
Boutique mall over three levels with over 140 outlets.
58,000 sq m single-storey mall.
Over 500,000 sq m of retail, dining and leisure activities.
A 26,000 sq m mall with 250 car parking spaces.
Situated in Msheireb Downtown Doha, with more than 30 pop-up shops.
Neighbourhood mall in Muaither, Al Rayyan with more than 30 retail and F&B outllets.
A 1 mn sq m development of retail, leisure, entertainment and luxury in Lusail City.
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023 Shopping in Qatar FOOD AREA RESTAURANT BANK ATM EXCHANGE TRAVEL AGENT
FOOD MONEY & TRAVEL UTILITIES IN BRIEF
AMUSEMENTS BOWLING ALLEY CINEMA ICE RINK GYM OOREDOO VODAFONE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR LAUNDRY
ENTERTAINMENT
PLAY ZONE
Flik Cinemas
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Msheireb Galleria
Novo Cinemas
Place Vendôme
Watch Repairs
MALLS OPENING TIMES
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE
Daily 9 am – 10 pm
Fri 11 am – 11 pm
Sat – Thu 9 am – 10 pm
Fri 3:30 pm – 10 pm
Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm
Thu & Fri 10 am – midnight
Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm
Fri 4 pm -- 10 pm
Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm
Fri 1:30 pm – 10 pm
Paid parking
Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm
Fri 4 pm – 10 pm
Sun – Wed 9 am – 10 pm
Thu & Sat 9 am – 11 pm
Fri 9 am – 11 pm
Daily 5 am – 11 pm
DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS
SUPERMARKETS MAP REFERENCE
Ahgar, Al Ameer Al Oud, Al Asjad, Al Rawnaq, Al Qasr Jewelers, Panache London, Vintage Boutique
Aida, Al Muftah Jewellery, Al Rawnaq, Articles, Mont Blanc, Pari Gallery, Quatro, Sensory Souk, Sizy
Anotah, Caracole, Karisma, Merch, Momento, Riva, Saqr, Saving Square, Sports Corner, The Face Shop
Al Jaber Watches, Brands, GEM Centre, NBK Fashions, Party Mania, Redtag, Scholl, Sulaiman Jewellery
Amiri Gems, Botany Lab, Canali, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hugo Boss, JustKidding, Lululemon, Salam Stores
Aldo, Al Motahajiba, Boots, Calvin Klein Jeans, Claire's, Highland, La Senza, Mango, Milano, Mothercare, Next
Al Motahajiba, Bath & Body Works, Desigual, H&M, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Virgin Megastore, Zara
Zarabi Department Store
Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm
Thu – Fri 10 am – midnight
Al Jaber Watches, Al Rashdi, Al Suwlujan Jewelry, Gold
Turkiana,
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Mine,
Zarabi Department Store
Tawar Mall
and shops
Mega Mart ✔ ✔ ✔ 9 am – 10 pm ✘ ✘ ✘ Spar ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Mega Mart ✔ ✔ ✔ 7 am – 11 pm Mega Mart ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – 10 pm Al Meera ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Carrefour ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Masskar ✔ ✔ ✔ 5 am – 1 am Masskar ✔ ✔ ✔ 5 am – 1 am Q Mall C3 4033 9994 qmallqa.com Royal Plaza D3 4413 0000 royalplazadoha.com Tawar Mall C3 4437 9333 tawarmall.qa The Centre D4 4444 0202 thecenterqatar.com The Gate Mall C4 4407 7201 thegate-qatar.com The Mall D4 4467 8888 themalldoha.com Villaggio Mall D2 4422 7400 villaggioqatar.com Waddan Mall 4441 1127 waddanmall.com Wathnan Mall D2 4487 6691 wathnanmall.com
The Gate Mall
Supermarkets
close
for prayers on Friday.
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Bounce Qatar/Kiddy Zone
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Two levels of local shops and restaurants.
Over 100 shops across three levels with high-end outlets.
Features a musical water fountain, a traditional souq and a boutique hotel.
One level with beauty, jewellery and clothing kiosks.
Boutique mall with three floors of high-end outlets and luxury brands.
Two levels with a range of high- and middle-range shops.
Italian-themed mall with luxury brand area Via Domo.
One and only mall in Mesaieed with more than 70 shops and restaurants.
First mall with dedicated opening hours for families only.
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023 Shopping in Qatar FOOD AREA RESTAURANT BANK ATM EXCHANGE TRAVEL AGENT ENTERTAINMENT FOOD MONEY & TRAVEL UTILITIES IN BRIEF PLAY ZONE AMUSEMENTS BOWLING ALLEY CINEMA ICE RINK GYM OOREDOO VODAFONE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR LAUNDRY
Villaggio Mall
Waddan Mall
Most malls have ample parking and offer car wash and/or valet services at a reasonable price. Facilities at malls are subject to change. Call ahead.
CanDo ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ Fun Day ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘
Cinema
Cineco 13 Fun City ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔
Fun City ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ Aramex ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ DHL Desk ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔
Concierge ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔
Three-screen
Gondolania ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Wathnan
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Shopping in Qatar
Other Places to Shop
In addition to malls, there are plenty of other shopping destinations in Qatar including wholesale markets and traditional souqs.
Al Furjan Markets
Al Furjan (neighbourhood) markets have house provision stores, bakeries, butcheries, pharmacies, ATM kiosks, laundries, barber shops, fruits and vegetables, and vending areas and eateries, among other facilities.
Al Furjan Markets aim to have a store in each zone and can be found in areas such as Al Qutaifiya, Rawdat Al Hamama, Rawdat Aqdim, Al Thumama, Al Mearad, Umm Al Seneem, Al Ebb and Jarayan Nujaimah. The Al Furjan project aims to have 44 markets in designated areas with a total of 645 shops, covering 28 basic commercial activities, providing for the main needs of inhabitants of the neighbourhood.
Al Sailiya Central Market E1
Aswaq for Food Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Hassad Foods, relocated the previous Wholesale Market in Mesaimeer to Al Sailiya
Central Market (Aswaq Sailiya) in January 2020. Covering over 78,000 sq m, the central market is the largest in Qatar. The market is divided into several connected and air-conditioned sections for fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables, and a slaughterhouse for camels, cows and sheep. The market has nine air-cooled storages. It includes a traditional market with 52 shops, in addition to the existing 102 shops in the retail market and the 50 shops in the wholesale market.
Moreover, there are imported products at the auction hall, which spans over 8,000 sq m. Upon completion of the auction, the products are loaded either out of the market, or to the wholesale market or air-cooled storage.
The Omani Souq E1 has relocated to Al Sailiya Central Market. Tangy, salty aromas of dried fish compete with the sweet smell of ripe dates. It offers a large variety of goods, including desert
truffles, spices, nuts, perfumes, gardenware, plants, camel sticks and incense burners. 4407 1111, aswaq.com.qa/aswaq-sailiya
Al Wakra Central Market F5
Aswaq for Food Facilities Management opened Al Wakra Central Market (Aswaq Wakra) in January 2020. Spread over an area of approximately 230,000 sq m, the facility includes a livestock central market with an automated slaughterhouse, cattle barns, shops, hypermarket, traditional and vegetable markets, shops and administrative buildings. The 14,000 sq m automated slaughterhouse has the capacity to handle 9,000 livestock a day. There are more than 600 livestock barns. The public can buy animals from the barns and transfer them to the slaughterhouse.
The retail, wholesale and hypermarket sections are air-conditioned. The market includes 102 shops to support the market’s main activity such as fodder, grain, and veterinary supplies. The market also includes fodder storage space of more than 5,200 sq m. Additionally, the retail section includes 76 shops and a traditional market that sells vegetables and fruits, dried fruit, honey and dates. There are several seasonal farmers markets across Qatar. Local farmers sell produce directly to customers. Fresh fruit, vegetables and plants can be bought in bulk. Open Thursday to Saturday 7 am – 7 pm, between October and June. 4407 1111, aswaq.com.qa/aswaq-wakra
Souq Umm Salal
Spanning over 70,000 sq m, Souq Umm Salal, also known as Umm Salal Central Market (Aswaq Umm Salal), connects directly to the main ports in Al Wakra, Al Ruwais, Al Khor and Doha, supplying nearly 80% of the fish to the market. It includes 62 fish shops, an auction yard of 2,100 sq m, as well as a fish cleaning section, visitors waiting area, and an ice factory to meet the needs of traders. The market is an integrated marketing platform for all basic commodities, which contributes to achieving food security.
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA
Furjan Markets
Al Sailiya Central Market
The central market offers all basic commodities such as meat, fish and vegetables to serve the needs of all – traders, producers and consumers. In addition, the market includes a private slaughterhouse with a production capacity of up to 1,000 heads per day (under the management of Widam Food), in addition to livestock barns, vegetables and fruits shops, multi-service shops, cold stores, a supermarket, a mosque, and a number of administrative offices. The Ministry of Municipality opened Al Mazroua Yard in 2021 in Souq Umm Salal, while Aswaq for Food Facilities Management developed and fully equipped the yard, which extends over 1,800 sq m and includes 44 counters dedicated to selling local produce. 4407 1111, aswaq.com.qa/aswaq-umm-salal
Barwa Village E5
Barwa Village, just off Al Wakra Road, is a residential and commercial complex that has much to offer. In the centre of Barwa Village is The Plaza – home to Mega Mart and Centrepoint – and also a health club, an international school, a nursery and a medical clinic. There are also a few gold, perfume and gift shops as well as electronics shops and a bookstore. An abundance of affordable restaurants await, offering tastes from India, China, and other parts of Asia, as well as the Arab region.
Next to Barwa Village is Retaj Real Estate’s newly launched residential and commercial development, New Souq Al Haraj. It consists of 552 units: 22 showrooms that start from 165 sq m – 220 sq m; 243 shops that start from 46 sq m – 130 sq m; 51 kiosks; 211 residential apartments with one and two bedrooms; and 25 offices approximately 100 – 130 sq m.
Souqs
In addition to the popular Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra (see Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra in the Discovering Qatar section), there are various souqs or market complexes scattered around town. When people in Qatar talk of the 'souqs',
they usually refer to the city’s oldest market area, in the heart of the city near the old Amiri Diwan. Souqs range from the traditional-style Souq Waqif, which still retains the atmosphere and spirit of the old bazaar, to the more modern air-conditioned, marble-clad complexes. When shopping in the souqs, you have the opportunity to bargain. You have cheaper imports, high-end designer items and just about everything else, including clothing and home accessories to kitchenware, souvenirs and unique gifts. Kitchenware shops stock everything from huge cooking pots to dainty glasses, cutlery and table ornaments. Luggage, tools, general hardware, DIY and gardening equipment are also available. Clothing includes a wide range of inexpensive clothes, casual wear and shoes.
First in the downtown souq area is the busy Souq Faleh D4 shopping centre, which houses several abaya, clothing and body accessories stores.
Adjacent to Souq Faleh is Souq Al Asiery D4, which is known as the 'Escalator Souq' – as it was the first one in Doha to have an escalator. It has a massive selection of fabrics available at prices to suit all. Other outlets include clothing, shoes, perfume and accessories. Connected to Souq Al Asiery is Souq Al Dira D4, your one-stop shop for upmarket textiles. The building has huge arches, lantern-style lights and stained-glass windows and, can be found right behind Souq Al Asiery. High-quality beaded fabrics, heavy lace and 'designer' fabrics are all on sale. The souq also has shoes, perfume and accessory stores, and cloakroom facilities. Many Indian and Filipino eateries can be found there. Right behind Souq Al Asiery and Souq Al Dira is Central Souq or Souq Al Madina D4, which is a one-stop destination for embroideries, decorating fabric or other materials for dressmaking as well as custom tailored abayas and jalabiyas. Facing you at the end of Al Ahmed Street is Souq Al Jabor D4. Stores along the outside as well as inside the block offer a good selection of footwear, clothes and a wide range of other products.
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023 Shopping in Qatar
One of the oldest markets in the country, Souq Al Haraj D4 in Al Mansoura is the best destination for second-hand goods especially used furniture and household appliances.
Souq Al Ali C3 in Al Gharrafa houses textile, tailoring and abaya stores, and a few pet shops. It's also a popular destination for shoe repair and carpentry stores. There's a KFC, Yellow Cab and other eateries in the souq as well.
The old yet urban Thursday and Friday Souq E3 is located on the Wholesale Market Street in the Bu Hamour and Mesaimeer district. The shopping centre is a well-known destination for abayas, jalabiyas, affordable clothes and other garments as well as toys. There are also a few spice, dates and honey shops.
In addition to souqs, there are many low-budget shopping centres in Qatar with branches across
the country where you can buy clothing, home accessories and kitchen appliances at affordable prices such as Al Rawnaq, Ansar Gallery, Dragon Mart and Ramez. See Where to Shop in this section for numbers.
Shopping hours at the souqs are usually 10 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 7 pm (Souq Waqif has longer opening hours). A map of the central souqs is in Souq Waqif in the Discovering Qatar section.
Parking is limited at the most of the souqs. The earlier you arrive, the better. Consider parking at any of the underground car parks around Souq Waqif. Some are air-conditioned. See the map of Souq Waqif for precise locations. Also consider taking the Doha Metro – Souq Waqif Metro Station (Gold Line). Access to cash is limited at most of the souqs. ATMs are avaliable but it's best you carry cash with you at all times as most shops take payment in cash only.
items have artificial stones and this is reflected in the price. You are welcome to try anything on, and the salesmen are willing to bring pieces from a nearby shop if they don’t have what you are looking for. You will need the purchase receipt when selling your jewellery, and you will only receive the value of the weight of the metal or precious stones excluding the workmanship.
There are several jewellery shops in the gold souq area, surrounding Grand Hamad Street and Ali Bin Abdullah Street In addition to buying and/or selling gold, most jewellers will repair and replace jewellery, providing a receipt.
Designs cater for Western and Eastern tastes and are of local and international manufacture.
Traditional bridal jewellery is an interesting sight and comprises solid gold belts, gub (small gold caps), hair ornaments, mirtash (chestlength decorated chains) and bracelets.
Personalised name pendants can be made at short notice with your name written in Arabic calligraphy, as a keepsake or gift.
Coins, ingots and gems of various weights are available at most jewellers.
High-quality second-hand watches on sale at specialist shops include brands such as Rolex and Cartier.
Buying gold is safe as all gold sold in Qatar is tested and hallmarked in the country, so quality is guaranteed. Most of the gold is 18 and 22 carat. Some modern and traditional jewellery
Selling gold The Ministry of Interior lists procedures for obtaining the mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) from the police to sell gold. A fee of QAR10 has to be paid through a debit/credit card to get the NOC. Other requirements are necessary such as bringing the gold for inspection, producing bills for the gold, and bringing the ID and passport of the owner or seller. The gold should belong to first or second degree relatives. The service is provided by the Gold Sales Office in Souq Waqif and security departments across the country.
Invoice Many jewellery shops issue invoices based on the format prescribed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). The MOCIapproved format, introduced in 2016 to protect consumers' interests, offers customers a detailed sales invoice. It shows particulars such as unit price without processors, price of workmanship, purity degree, and trademark. Other details include information about the piece of jewellery like the total price, carat, gram, number, description, item code, the shop’s stamp, seller’s name and signature, shop data, invoice number, customer name and customer’s Qatar ID number.
QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA Shopping in Qatar
Checked & Updated June 2023
The Gold Souq
Souq Waqif
Places of Interest
Doha’s authentically restored central market district is a great place to find souvenir bargains, relax over a coffee or meal, or simply soak up the atmosphere of lively street life. 25 Asherg Coffee 26 Bandar Aden (Yemeni)
27 Desert Rose (Ukraine)
29 Argan 30 Al Matbakh
32 Al Terrace
Grand Hamad Street DHOW HARBOUR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE Jassim Bin Mohammed St Jassim Bin Mohammed St Abdullah Bin Jassim St Al Corniche Street Shioukh Mosque Gold Souq ParkCartoWalkwayUnderground Souq Waqif Park Terminal for Banana Island Resort Doha by Anatara Musheireb Boutique Al Jasra Boutique Al Bidda Boutique Al Jomrok Boutique Rayyan Radio Arumaila Boutique Hotel Al Mirqab Boutique Al Najada Hotel Apartments by Oaks Al Najada Hotel Najd Boutique Bismillah Boutique Oud & Arabic Perfumes Mandarin Oriental, Doha Park Hyatt Doha Msheireb Metro Interchange Station M Grand Hotel Doha Souq Al Asiery QATAR CENTRAL BANK Souq Nasser Bin Saif Souq Faleh Souq Waqif Amiri Diwan Al Koot Fort 1 I G L E F H A R S 2 6 7 10 12 13 17 31 19 20 21 22 18 23 24 3 25 11 9 14 16 36 Wad i MushairebStreet A l i B i n Abdul l a S t re e t B C D K P Q M N 4 26 27 28 28 37 30 29 32 33 35 34 15 J Msheireb Museums O Underground Car Park SOUQ WAQIF Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Msheireb Downtown Doha Al Kahraba Street Barahat Msheireb Abdulla Bin Thani Street Bin Jalmood St Al Khail Street Al Rayyan Road 5 8 Souq Waqif Station Metro Gold Line Exit 5 Exit 1 All Rights Reserved. 06.2023 marhaba.qa Gold Souq H FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM Countdown Clock
Restaurants/Cafes 1 Usta Turkish Restaurant 2 The Rice & The Noodle 3 Saida Lebanese Rest. 4 Little Sailor 5 Al Mourjan 6 Al Adhamiyah (Iraqi) 7 Layali Al Qahira 8 Second Cup 9 Al Mandarin 10 Le Gourmet 11 Al Bandar Fish Market 12 La Boca (Argentinian) 13 Zaatar W Zeit
A Abdul Aziz Nasser / Al Rayyan Theatre B Al Koot Fort C Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre D Camel Pen E Clock Tower F Embrace Doha G Falcon Souq H Gold Souq I Horse Area / Stable J Le Pouce by César Baldaccini K Novo Cinema L Police Post M Souq Waqif Art Centre N Traditional Majlis O Msheireb Museums P Toilets (F & M) Q Ladies Waiting &
Entrance to Souq Waqif Metro Station
Oud & Arabic Perfumes
Prayer Room R
S
28 La Piazza
Rooftop
Grill
31 Jasmine Thai
Village
Sweets
Damasca
Khariss Cafe
Koot Cafe
Beanery
Ghanabi Fresh Juices
33 Al Jasra Trad Food 34 Falafel Karim 35 Abo Shariha 36 Missan Restaurant 37 Shay Al Shoomos 14 Tajeen (Moroccan) 15 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 16 The
16 Abdel Kader Alhallab
18 Tea Time 19
One 20
(Lebanese) 21 Parisa Persian 22 Al
23 Coffee
24
Underground Passage between Msheireb and Souq Waqif
© MARHABA AUTUMN 2023
Underground Passage between Mosque and Souq Waqif
See our detailed map of the area south of Doha MAP of AL WAKRA
