Shopping in Qatar: Winter 2023/24 by Marhaba Information Guide, Qatar

ISSUE

DECEMBER 2023

Shopping

in Qatar

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Shopping

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marhaba.qa

Telephone numbers and location details for some of the most popular retail outlets

Feature – The Rise of Cashierless Stores

A new trend is being witnessed in Qatar’s shopping sector. It is the rise of cashierless stores, offering shoppers a smoother, easier and faster experience.

Shopping

Where to Shop

Shopping in Qatar • Malls • Mall Listings including Department Stores and Shops • Al Furjan Markets • The Central Markets • Barwa Village • Souqs • Gold Souq

Map of Souq Area Finding your way around the souqs has never been easier

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Founder & Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge

Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels.

Editorial Sarah Palmer (Editor) Ola Diab (Deputy Editor) Terry Sutcliffe

Advertising Howard Bainbridge Charlotte Wright Maria Anicas

Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 5533, 4465 0083

Retail Sales Ayen Molina Online/Digital Lalaine Turqueza Weslee Dizon Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo Mar Principe

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General Information marhaba@marhaba.com.qa

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MARHABA WINTER 2023/24 000

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See our map of the area north of Doha MAP of AL KHOR

See more details of the area in our map of INDUSTRIAL AREA

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See our detailed map of the area south of Doha MAP of AL WAKRA

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Estd. Since1980

treasures for a lifetime

HANDMADE CARPETS, FURNITURE & CRAFTS OCCDOHA 44479794 / 44131850

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QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA

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Where to Shop Opera Café* (The Mall) D4 Sugar and Spice* (Aspire Park) D2

4467 8884 4038 9668

Chocolates, Sweets and Flowers

Giant shopping cart at Hyatt Plaza

Affordable and Budget Al Rawnaq* (Bin Omran) C3 4488 5808 Ansar Gallery* (Call Centre) 4448 6000 Daiso* (Doha Festival City) B2 4469 6883 Dollar Plus* (City Center-Doha) C4 7478 5161 Dragon Mart (Industrial Area) F3 4006 1188 HEMA* (Mall of Qatar) C1 4036 6000 Ramez Shopping Complex* (Salwa Rd) D3 4443 1373 Saving Square* (Tawar Mall) C3 4442 9100

Audio Visual/Computers/Electronics Almana & Partners (Old Al Rayyan) C3 4431 1072 Almuftah Group (Al Sadd) D3 4444 6867 Domasco (Asian Town, Industrial Area) F3 4435 8168 Darwish Trading (Old Airport) D4 4456 6426 Emax* (Al Asmakh Mall) D3 4428 9245 Mannai Trading Co (Salwa Rd) D3 4455 8888 Salam Stores* (The Gate Mall) C4 4448 5639 Starlink* (Call Centre) 4428 3888

Bookshops, Stationery and Art Supplies Borders* (Doha Festival City) B2 Colour Note Company* (Al Nasr St) D3 FNAC* (Lagoona Mall) B4 Gulf Greetings (Hallmark)*

4471 3942 4441 8548 4433 5599

4483 8117 Ibn Al Qayyim Bookstore* (Al Markhiya) C3 4486 3533 Jarir Bookstore* (Call Centre) 4444 0212 Naaz Store (Old Airport) D4 4432 4235 Sensory Souk* (Royal Plaza) D3 4411 0147 Virgin Megastore* (Villaggio Mall) D3 4495 9060 (City Center-Doha) C4

Cakes and Sweets Batteel Bakery & Café* (Salwa Rd) D3 4444 1414 Edible Arrangements* (Al Gharrafa) B2 4491 1111 Caramel Sweet Arts (Al Waab) D3 3382 7259 FAUCHON* (Salwa Rd) D3 4432 4888 Magnolia Bakery* (Dar Al Salam Mall) E3 4450 9407

Chopin* (Qmall) C3 4483 4747 Dulce Chocolate* (Muraikh) D2 4443 3080 Gardenia* (Al Nasr St) D3 4444 0789 Interflora (C Ring Rd) D4 4432 2717 Larissa Chocolates & Flowers*(Al Sadd) D3 4444 1824 Luxury Flowers & Chocolates* (Duhail) B3 4444 5432 Patchi* (Salwa Rd) D3 4469 3350 Patisserie Suisse* (Al Nasr St) D3 4432 1213 Plaza Hollandi* (Villaggio Mall) D2 4450 7262 Tasmeem Flowers & Chocolates* (Al Rayyan) D2 4417 9993

Furnishing ACE (Doha Festival City) B2

800 971 223

Articles (Royal Plaza) D3 City Lifestyle* (Al Asmakh Mall) D3 CREU Concept (Al Sadd) D3 Home Centre* (Al Asmakh Mall) D3 Homes R Us* (Hyatt Plaza) D2 IKEA (Doha Festival City) B2 Midas (Salwa Rd) D3 Nabco* (Old Airport) D4 Pan Emirates* (Salwa Rd) D3 Pottery Barn* (Mall of Qatar) C1 Simex Group (D Ring Rd) D4 Spazio Interni (Salwa Rd) D3 The One* (Villaggio Mall) D3 Tivoli (Old Al Rayyan) C3

4413 1188 4428 9256 3322 7776 4413 1940 4469 8999 800 4532 4425 1222 4466 6646 4427 4966 4452 9529 4441 4447 4468 2618 800 8431 4021 2000

Gifts and Souvenirs Freesia Gifts (Royal Plaza) D3 7000 0480 Gulf Crafts (Salwa Rd) D3 4468 7373 Gulf Greetings (Hallmark)* (The Mall) D4 4467 8383

Jewellery and Watches Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewelry* 4444 0228

(Mall of Qatar) C1

Alfardan Jewellery* (Place Vendôme) D2 4142 4117 Al Jaber Watches* (The Mall) D4

4467 8484

Al Muftah Jewellery* (Al Sadd) D3

4444 1313

*Indicates multiple locations. Map references in green.

Disclaimer: Shops constantly change their locations and numbers. If you wish to double check or find numbers of non-listed shops, call or text 180. ©

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Party Decorations and Costumes Crazy Party* (Villaggio Mall) D2 Events (Royal Plaza) D3 Party Kingdom (Bin Mahmoud) D4 Party Mania (The Centre) D4

4450 7777 4413 1155 4435 3501 4441 8810

Personal Care/Pharmacies Boots* (Villaggio Mall) D2 Kulud Pharmacy* (Al Markhiya) C3

Pet Shops

Oriental Carpets Al Romaizan* (Gold Souq) D4

5512 6530

Al Sulaiman Jewellers* (Gold Souq) D4 4437 6677 Damas* (Al Mana Center, Al Sadd) D3 4442 5428 Domasco Watches* (City Center-Doha) C4 4483 9327 Marhaba Jewellery (Gold Souq) D4

4431 8055

Pearl Gallery* (Wathnan Mall) D2

4480 0124

Pure Gold Jewellers* (Villaggio Mall) D2 3111 9145

Key Cutting/Shoe and Watch Repair Mr Quality* (City Center-Doha) C4

4017 2845

Kitchenware Articles (Royal Plaza) D3 Lakeland* (Villaggio Mall) D2 Table Arts* (Mall of Qatar) C1 Tavola* (City Center-Doha) C4 Villeroy & Boch* (Salwa Rd) D3

4413 1188 4417 5385 4411 6338 4493 0102 4436 3561

Musical Equipment 51 East* (Call Centre) 4436 1111 Badie Studio & Stores (Al Souq Area) D4 4442 3554 Virgin Megastore* (Villaggio Mall) D2 4495 9060

Al Dar Optics* (Al Nasr St) D3 4436 3461 Al Jabor Vision Technology (C Ring Rd) D4 4442 7152 Yateem Optician* (Lagoona Mall) B4 4412 4380

Oriental Crafts and Carpets Bradran Persian Carpets (The Mall) D4 4467 8886 Oriental Carpets (Bin Mahmoud) D4 4447 9794 Reshi (Landmark Mall) C3 4486 4795 Shahrzad Iranian Carpets (Gold Souq) D4 4442 3210

Paint Shops ACE (Doha Festival City) B2 Hempel Paints* (Industrial Area) F3 Jotun Paints* (Call Centre)

800 4878 4455 9000 4441 2728

5569 4222

Photographic Studios/Photographers Benny Antoun (piano tuner/technician) Boom Art Studio (Al Markhiya) C3 Gulf Colours* (Najma) D4 Picture World Studio* (Salwa Rd) D3

5551 4501 4411 1070 4431 1181 4469 4710

Sports Equipment Decathlon* (Villaggio Mall) D2 Doha Golf Club B3 Foot Locker* (Villaggio Mall) D2 Go Sport* (City Center-Doha) C4 Sports Corner* (Call Centre)

4495 9080 4496 0750 4413 5315 4463 1644 4036 2211

Tailoring, Textiles and Haberdashery Al Misk Tailors (Al Ghanim) D4 4432 1141 Century Textiles & Tailors (Al Khaleej St) D4 4442 1283 Lexus* (Gents/Al Sadd) D3 4432 2761 Sara's Secrets (Ladies/Al Sadd) D3 4432 1030 Singer (New Salata) D4 4443 5731

Toys and Children's Items Babyshop* (Gulf Mall) C3 4430 8305 Early Learning Centre* (Hyatt Plaza) D2 4469 7964 Kiddy Zone* (Landmark Mall) C3 4421 7215 Sensory Souk (Royal Plaza) D3 4411 0147 Toys 'R' Us* (Al Sadd) D3 4443 5904

Water Storage Tanks Qatar Rotomould (Industrial Area) F2

4460 2315

WOQOD Petrol Stations WOQOD Call Centre Toll Free Number

4021 7777 800 3835

Checked & Updated October 2023

Opticians

Pets & More (City Center-Doha) C4 See Pets in Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section.

Where to Shop

4452 9655 4487 7784

WOQOD service stations are open 24/7 for petrol, with most offering car services, and have a shop (Sidra) selling food items and other essentials. m

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FEATURE

The Rise of Cashierless Stores

By Ola Diab

A new trend is being witnessed in Qatar’s shopping sector. It is the rise of cashierless stores, offering shoppers a smoother, easier and faster shopping experience.

he future of shopping is here with smart retailing, encouraging retailers to launch ambitious in-store, digital technology. Retailers in Qatar are bringing outstanding in-store smart and eco-friendly technologies, transforming .the local shopping experience Smart retailing is an approach that treats technologies as factors that enable innovation and improve the quality of life of consumers, providing them with better, faster, safer and smarter shopping. Slowly becoming widespread in Qatar is cashierless shopping. Also known as self-checkout, checkoutfree or autonomous shopping, cashierless shopping is a checkout system that detects shoppers’ product preferences and bills them when they close their shopping trip. It is a payment service that allows you to personally scan and pay for the purchase of certain items. Be your own cashier!

At least six self-checkout counters are available at each of the three locations, considerably reducing queue lengths and customer waiting times. Available to those with small baskets of up to 10 items, customers can scan their products and complete their cashless transaction with a credit or debit card. Customer support staff members are present at the counters to help customers with the process. According to Carrefour Qatar, the new service underlines Carrefour’s commitment to offering a convenient shopping experience by bringing extra efficiency to the retail journey. The service also demonstrates Carrefour’s dedication to providing customers with more freedom of choice when shopping, by offering alternative payment options and checkout processes.

The world first heard of this new concept with Amazon when it introduced Amazon Go, a cashierless convenience store, in 2016.

Carrefour Qatar is the first retail company to introduce self-checkout counters in the country. The self-checkout counter is the latest addition to Carrefour’s services and is part of a series of innovations due to be gradually rolled out.

Carrefour Qatar’s self-check out counters

Al Meera Smart

The first to introduce self-check out counters in Qatar is Carrefour Qatar. In 2020, Carrefour Qatar launched self-checkout counters at its hypermarkets in City Center Doha, Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall to speed up the shopping experience for customers.

In early 2023, Al Meera Consumer Goods Company opened Al Meera Smart, Qatar's first fully autonomous checkout-free store, at Aspire Park. Al Meera partnered with Zippin, a leading provider of checkout-free technology, to advance its

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expansion strategy to meet customer demands and provide unique services to all members of the community through innovative technology. In addition to Al Meera Smart at Aspire Park, Al Meera will soon open more fully autonomous stores in strategic locations in need of a minimarket to provide visitors with snacks, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and other essential items in a quick, seamless, self-service and cashier-less process. Powered by Zippin’s multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the frictionless smart stores operate through a collection of cameras and sensors that track the customers from point of entry until they leave, speeding up the purchasing process and make shopping transactions faster, simpler, less stressful and more enjoyable to customers. Saving customers the need to queue for payment after grabbing their grocery items, shoppers can create a virtual shopping cart, put the items in their pocket, bag/purse, or simply carry them, and the software will directly charge the cost of the purchased items from the customer's credit card as soon as they leave the shop. Zippin combines vision cognition technology with machine learning to accurately account for the behaviour of shoppers and whereabouts of products in-store. To date, 60 Zippin-powered stores have been launched around the world serving 625,000 shoppers. The Zippin-powered stores have helped save 104,000 shopping hours by eliminating checkout lines. In addition to cashier-less Al Meera Smart, Al Meera has a few branches with cashier-less counters. In addition, there is a new and operational self-service branch in the QatarEnergy District in Al Dafna. LuLu Express In September 2023, LuLu Group International opened their first cashier-less check-out free store LuLu Express at Hamad International Airport (HIA) Metro Station.

According to Lulu, LuLu Express is one of the first cashier-less check-out free stores in Qatar and the region. Powered by Commercial Bank’s payment acceptance solution in its pursuit of digital innovation, the Bank states the new convenience store provides fast, secure, and contactless check-out experience for customers. A customer can enter the store using his or her credit card, and then walk-out after finishing shopping without any interaction with cashiers or self-checkout counters. Every item picked by the customer at the store is automatically added to the customer’s digital shopping cart, and the purchase is completed when the customer leaves the store. There will be no queues, no cashier, and no waiting time at the counter to check-out either. Transactions based on facial recognition will be a key feature of future banking. It is about how to protect customers in a convenient manner using technology. That will be an enhanced security feature that gives customers great comfort and enhanced security. m In addition to Al Meera Smart, MONOPRIX Msheireb is Qatar’s first smart retail outlet. It opened in 2021 in Msheireb Galleria in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). Although it's not a cashierless store, MONOPRIX Msheireb offers smart shopping services to its customers. The supermarket provides its famous Concierge and the Shop & Go concepts, making the shopping experience for residents and visitors more convenient and comfortable. It offers an extensive organic range of 12,000 items sourced internationally, as well as a new dine-in Qatari-food concept, sushi bar, and pasta and pizza corner. ©

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www.dohagolfclub.com (+974) 4496 0777 info@dohagolfclub.com QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA

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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.

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 relatively new malls and shopping centres 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.

• 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

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.

• Lulu app makes you a LuLu Loyalty member where you can earn points and redeem them at all Lulu outlets. luluhypermarket.com

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

• 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

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

Shopping in Qatar

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.

• Meera Rewards is Al Meera's loyalty programme and mobile app. almeera.com.qa

• 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 up to 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 qgrabs.com and Urban Point urbanpoint.com are daily and monthly discount websites and apps. The Entertainer theentertainerme.com and My Book Qatar mybookqatar.com are money-saving buy-oneget-one free books and apps, offering thousands of offers that are frequently renewed. ©

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Shopping in Qatar

01 Mall

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE

Al Sulaiman Jewellery & Watches, Startech Middle East, Toys Valley

4478 1662 facebook.com

Daily 8 am – 11 pm

02 Mall 4460 7512

A3 Sat – Thu 7:30 am – midnight

03 Mall 4029 3974

D4 Sat – Thu 7:30 am – midnight

21 High Street 5009 3823 21highst.net

Fri closed 11 am – 12:30 pm

Fri closed 11 am – noon

SUPERMARKETS

Mega Mart

✘

8 am – 10:45 pm

Al Abed Roastery, Care n Cure FFC Pharmacy, Saloon Sea Palace, Startech ✔ ✔ ✔ Middle East 7:30 am – midnight Spar Caribou Coffee, Wellcare Pharmacy

✔

7:30 am – midnight

SNAN Food Hall Galeries Lafayette Doha: 100% Capri, Sun – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Beauty Hive, Cartier, David Morris, Graff, ✘ ✘ ✘ Thu – Sat 10 am – 1 am Joseph, Richard Mille, Van Cleef & Arpels 10 am – 10 pm LuLu

Abu Sidra Mall E2 Daily 8 am – midnight 5511 4425/4496 9888 Fri closed 11 am – noon abusidramall.com

babyshop, Bath and Body Works, City Lifestyle, Home Box, Splash, Le Cheval Jewelry, Lulu Department Store

ALHAZM 4411 1444 alhazm.com

Daily 9 am – midnight

Al Jazeera Perfumes, Hadarah Perfumes, Il Bernardo, Little Ones, Razza, Scentsation, ✘ Sole Avenue, Style de Vie

Al Khor Mall 4453 3445 alkhormall.com

Daily 8 am – midnight Fri closed 11 am – noon

Bath & Body Works, City Lifestyle, Claire's, Daiso, Giordano, Mothercare, Mumuso, Nayomi, Payless, Splash

Al Asmakh Mall (Centrepoint) 4428 9141

D3 Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm

B. Square Mall

4041 0000 bsquaremall.com

TAKE AWAY

DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS

BAKERY

OPENING TIMES

MEAT & FISH

MAP REFERENCE

MALLS & OTHER SHOPPING CENTRES

Fri 1 pm – 11 pm

Daily 10 am – 11 pm

21 High Street

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8 am – midnight

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LuLu

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8 am – midnight

Al Meera Centrepoint (babyshop, City Lifestyle, ✘ ✘ ✘ Shoemart, Splash), Emax, Homecentre 8 am – midnight 300 Bowling Centre, Kidsland, Outlet 63, Paintball, Saving Square

Spar

✔

8 am – midnight

Abu Sidra Mall

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VODAFONE

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

LAUNDRY

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EXCHANGE

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ATM

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IN BRIEF

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A neighbourhood mall in Ain Khaled.

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A neighbourhood mall in Al Daayen.

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A two-storey mall with skylight roof in New Salata.

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A high-end luxury openair shopping mall in Katara Cultural Village.

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A three-level mall in Al Rayyan with over 200 retail and F&B outlets.

ICE RINK

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CINEMA

AMUSEMENTS

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BOWLING ALLEY

PLAY ZONE

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MONEY & TRAVEL

Novo Cinemas

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Farah Play Area

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Farah Play Area

Outdoor Kids Play Zone

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DHL Desk ✘ ✘ ✘

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✘ ✘ ✘ Concierge

Exclusive luxury brands in a fashionable setting.

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Over 60 stores open over two levels.

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Two levels with underground parking.

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Two levels of family entertainment with 300 parking spaces.

360 Play Kids Area

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Fun Ville

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Cineco Three Fun City

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Velocity

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Roxy Cinema

ALHAZM

Shopping in Qatar

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FOOD

GYM

ENTERTAINMENT

RKETS

Al Khor Mall ©

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Shopping in Qatar

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE

City Center Doha 4493 3355 citycenterdoha.com

C4 Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm

Dar Al Salam Mall 4016 3573 facebook.com

Doha Festival City 4035 4444 dohafestivalcity.com

Doha Oasis

D4 Sun – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Printemps Doha: Ascher, Dilek Hanif, Thu 10 am – midnight

4410 6262 doha.printemps.com

Thu 10 am – midnight Fri 1 pm -- midnight Paid parking

Doha Souq 4041 0000 dohasouq.qa

Ezdan Mall 4433 4141 ezdanmall.qa

Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra

4433 4545

ezdanmall.qa/al-wakra

Accessorize, Aldo, Debenhams, Homecentre, Inglot, MaxFashion, Nayomi, Pets & More, Promod, Splash

Sat -- Thu 10 am – 10 pm Fri 2 pm -- 11 pm

Centrepoint, Bath & Body Works, MaxFashion, Merch, Mothercare, Nayomi, Payless, The Body Shop

Sun – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Thu – Sat 10 am – 11 pm

Debenhams, Harvey Nichols Doha, H&M, Kipling, Marks & Spencer, Naturalizer, Ted Baker, Victoria's Secret

SUPERMARKETS

Carrefour

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Daily 7:30 am – midnight

Aéropostale, Anotah, Athlete's Co., Bath & Body Works, Neal's Yard Remedies, New Yorker, Riva, The Toy Store

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American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Footlocker, H&M, LC Waikiki, R&B, Tim Hortons, Vision Express, Voile

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Adidas, Antique Corner, babyshop, Bath & Body Works, Matalan, Morgan, R&B, Sephora, Splash, Victoria's Secret

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D2 Sat – Wed 9 am – 10 pm Thu 9 am – 11 pm Fri 2 pm – 11 pm

City Center Doha

Aldo, Charles & Keith, Daiso, Highland, HomesRUs, Laura Ashley, LC Waikiki, Nayomi, Pari Gallery, Rasasi, Triumph

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10 am – 11 pm

Jumbo Electronics, Lez Watches, Madam Prestige, Saving Square, Sports For Less, Wooden Bakery

Hyatt Plaza 4499 9666 hyattplaza.com

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Monoprix

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Sat – Thu 7:30 am – midnight Fri closed 11 am – 12:30 pm

Fri and Sat 9 am – 11 pm

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8 am – midnight

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C3 Sun – Thu 9 am – 10 pm

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Carrefour

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Ganni, La DoubleJ, Persée, Pupchen, Valentino Garavani, Vever, Wadha

Gulf Mall 4031 0600 gulfmalldoha.com

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8 am – 10 pm

Fri 1 pm – midnight Paid parking

Daily 7:30 am – midnight

TAKE AWAY

DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS

BAKERY

OPENING TIMES

MEAT & FISH

MAP REFERENCE

MALLS

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Family Mart

✔

7:30 am – midnight Carrefour

✔

7:30 am – midnight Carrefour

✘

7:30 am – midnight Al Meera

✔

7 am – midnight Al Meera

✔

8 am – midnight

Doha Festival City

QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA

20 EGUIDE SHOPPING IN QATAR.indd 4

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✔

✘

✔

Thunderdome ✘ ✘ ✘

✔

LAUNDRY

✘

Qatar Bahrain Cinema

✔

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

DHL Desk ✔ ✔ ✔

VODAFONE

✔

OOREDOO

ATM

✔

TRAVEL AGENT

BANK

✔

EXCHANGE

RESTAURANT

✔

IN BRIEF

Key Cutting ✔ ✘ ✘

✘

Over 200 shops on four floors.

✘

Neighbourhood mall over two floors.

Kiddyzone

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Over 500 outlets, ranging from day-to-day shopping to high-end fashion.

✘

✔

✘

One of the largest luxury department stores in the Middle East.

✔

✘

✔

✘ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✘ neighbourhood mall in

Seven entertainment areas

✔

✘

✔

✘

VOX Cinema VOX Cinema

✘

✔

✘

Doha Quest

✘

Shopping in Qatar

✘

Fun City

✔

UTILITIES

FOOD AREA

BOWLING ALLEY

✔

MONEY & TRAVEL

GYM

AMUSEMENTS

✔

FOOD

ICE RINK

PLAY ZONE

✔

CINEMA

ENTERTAINMENT

RKETS

Four-storey Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St.

✔

Fun Ville ✘ ✘ ✘

✔

✘

✔

✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

Three levels with over 170 stores.

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

The first and only mall in Al Wakra; two floors with parking for more than 1,500 cars.

✘

✔

✘

Three levels with shaded parking.

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Mostly one level with over 100 outlets and kiosks.

Fun Ville

✘

KiddyZone Go Fun

✔

✘

✔ Cineco

Jungle Zone

✔

✘

Doha Oasis

✘

Gulf Mall ©

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UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE

Shopping in Qatar

J-Mall B3 Daily 24/7 4488 4888/3307 4854 jmallqatar.com Lagoona Mall (Zig Zag Towers) 4433 5555 lagoonamall.com

Al Fazal Perfumes & Cosmetics, Daiso, Edumart, High End Furniture, Lavender, The Nails Room

B4 Thu -- Sun 10 am – 10 pm 51 East, Armani Exchange, Bang & Olufsen, Bridal Lounge, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa, Rituals, Table Arts

Fri 2 pm – 11 pm

Landmark Mall 4487 5222 landmarkdoha.com

C3 Sat – Wed 9 am – 10 pm

Lulu Mall, Giardino

The Pearl Island 4463 9888 thepearlqatar.com

Thu 9 am – 11 pm Fri 1:30 pm – 11 pm

Daily 8 am – midnight

SUPERMARKETS

Marza

✔

BHS, Bershka, Boots, Borders, H&M, Holika Holika, Lush, Marks & Spencer, Mac, Migato, Sephora, Zara

✔

Al-Jazeera Perfumes, Gorgeous Couture, Jumbo, Sports Corner, Technical Care Center, Zohoor Al Reef

Place Vendôme A4 Sat – Thu 10 am – 1 am 4144 0000/5002 2260 Friday 1 pm – 1 am placevendomeqatar.com

Lagoona Mall

Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Bershka, Calvin Klein, Christian Louboutin, Daiso, Dune, Gucci, Jimmy Choo

✔

Carrefour

Palms Mall 4435 0294 palmsmall-qa.com

Fri 1 pm – midnight

✔

7 am – midnight

✔

C3 Sat – Thu 9 am – noon

✔

Lulu

More than 30 pop-up shops, inclduing Fallini, Phonebooth, Spaceship

Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm

✔

8 am – midnight

Msheireb Galleria D4 Thu 10 am – 11 pm 4008 4777 Fri 10 am – 11 pm See their social media pages Paid parking

mirqabmall.com

Thu & Sat 10 am – 11 pm Fri 10 am – 11 pm

✔

Carrefour

BLSH, Eye Express, Lulu Connect, Lulu Fashion Store

✔

D3 Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm

✔

8 am – 10 pm

Al-Jazeera Perfumes, Armani Exchange, Bershka, Daiso, Damas Jewellery, BHS, illy, Lush, Mango

Mirqab Mall 4036 2777

Thu & Fri 10 am – midnight

✔

Carrefour

✔

C1 Sat – Wed 10 am – 11 pm

✔ 24/7

Adidas, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Bulgari, Call It Spring, Calvin Klein, Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret

Mall of Qatar 4034 6000 mallofqatar.com.qa

TAKE AWAY

DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS

BAKERY

OPENING TIMES

MEAT & FISH

MAP REFERENCE

MALLS

✔

9 am – midnight Carrefour

✔

8 am – midnight Monoprix

✔

9 am – midnight Carrefour

✔

8 am – midnight Monoprix

✔

9 am – 10 pm

Mall of Qatar

QATAR SHOPPING E-GUIDE © MARHABA

22 EGUIDE SHOPPING IN QATAR.indd 6

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ATM

EXCHANGE

TRAVEL AGENT

OOREDOO

VODAFONE

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

LAUNDRY

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Neighbourhood shopping mall in Hazm Al Markhiya.

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Boutique mall over three levels with over 140 outlets.

✘

✔

DHL Desk ✔ ✔ ✔

✔

✘

58,000 sq m single-storey mall.

✘

✔

✘

300 Bowling Center

✘

✔

✘

Flik Cinemas

✘

✔

Circus Land

✘

✔

✘

Cinema Land

✘

Opening soon ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

A small shopping centre in The Pearl Island with Lulu's 20th store.

✔ ✔ ✔

✔

✘

Over 500,000 sq m of retail, dining and leisure activities.

XtremeLand, KidzMondo

✔

✘

✘ ✔ ✔

Novo Cinemas

Watch Repairs

Funderdome/Hangout/Jump

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

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.

✔

Flik Cinemas

✘

Novo Cinemas

✔

✘

✔

✘

Msheireb Galleria

✘

✘ ✔

✔

✘

✘ ✔

✔

✘

Shopping in Qatar

BANK

IN BRIEF

RESTAURANT

UTILITIES

FOOD AREA

MONEY & TRAVEL

GYM

FOOD

✘

ICE RINK

CINEMA

BOWLING ALLEY

PLAY ZONE

AMUSEMENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

RKETS

Place Vendôme ©

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Shopping in Qatar

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PARKING IS FREE

Q Mall 4033 9994 qmallqa.com

Royal Plaza 4413 0000 royalplazadoha.com

Tawar Mall 4437 9333 tawarmall.qa

The Centre 4444 0202 thecenterqatar.com

The Gate Mall 4407 7201 thegate-qatar.com

C4 Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm

The Mall 4467 8888 themalldoha.com

Villaggio Mall 4422 7400 villaggioqatar.com

D2 Sun – Wed 9 am – 10 pm

Wathnan Mall 4487 6691 wathnanmall.com

Mega Mart

Daily 9 am – 10 pm Fri 11 am – 11 pm

Ahgar, Al Ameer Al Oud, Al Asjad, Al Rawnaq, Al Qasr Jewelers, Panache London, Vintage Boutique

✔

Sat – Thu 9 am – 10 pm Fri 3:30 pm – 10 pm

Aida, Al Muftah Jewellery, Al Rawnaq, Articles, Mont Blanc, Pari Gallery, Quatro, Sensory Souk, Sizy

✘

Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Thu & Fri 10 am – midnight

Anotah, Caracole, Karisma, Merch, Momento, Riva, Saqr, Saving Square, Sports Corner, The Face Shop

Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm Fri 4 pm -- 10 pm

Al Jaber Watches, Brands, GEM Centre, NBK Fashions, Party Mania, Redtag, Scholl, Sulaiman Jewellery

Fri 1:30 pm – 10 pm Paid parking

Waddan Mall 4441 1127 waddanmall.com

SUPERMARKETS

Sat – Thu 10 am – 10 pm Fri 4 pm – 10 pm

Amiri Gems, Botany Lab, Canali, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hugo Boss, JustKidding, Lululemon, Salam Stores

TAKE AWAY

DEPARTMENT STORES & A SELECTION OF SHOPS

BAKERY

OPENING TIMES

MEAT & FISH

MAP REFERENCE

MALLS

✔

9 am – 10 pm

✘

Spar ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 am – midnight Mega Mart

✔

7 am – 11 pm Mega Mart

✔

8 am – 10 pm

Al Meera Aldo, Al Motahajiba, Boots, Calvin Klein ✔ ✔ ✔ Jeans, Claire's, Highland, La Senza, 8 am – midnight Mango, Milano, Mothercare, Next Carrefour

Thu & Sat 9 am – 11 pm Fri 9 am – 11 pm

Al Motahajiba, Bath & Body Works, Desigual, H&M, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Virgin Megastore, Zara

✔

Daily 5 am – 11 pm

Zarabi Department Store

✔

8 am – midnight Masskar

✔

5 am – 1 am

Sat – Wed 10 am – 10 pm Thu – Fri 10 am – midnight

Al Jaber Watches, Al Rashdi, Al Suwlujan Jewelry, Gold Mine, Turkiana, Zarabi Department Store

Masskar

✔

5 am – 1 am

Supermarkets and shops close for prayers on Friday.

The Centre

The Gate Mall

24 EGUIDE SHOPPING IN QATAR.indd 8

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ENTERTAINMENT

EXCHANGE

TRAVEL AGENT

OOREDOO

VODAFONE

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

LAUNDRY

✘ ✘ ✘ Ray's Reef

ATM

✘

BANK

✔

RESTAURANT

✘

IN BRIEF

FOOD AREA

CINEMA

✘

UTILITIES

GYM

BOWLING ALLEY

✔

MONEY & TRAVEL

ICE RINK

AMUSEMENTS

✔

FOOD

✘

✘ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✔ ✘ ✔ Concierge

Over 100 shops across three levels with high-end outlets.

✔

Two levels of local shops and restaurants.

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Features a musical water fountain, a traditional souq and a boutique hotel.

Bounce Qatar/Kiddy Zone

✔

✘

✔

✘

Novo Cinemas

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

One level with beauty, jewellery and clothing kiosks.

✔

✘

CanDo ✘ ✘

✔

Aramex ✔ ✘

✘

Boutique mall with three floors of high-end outlets and luxury brands.

✔

Fun Day ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ Three-screen Cinema

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Two levels with a range of high- and middle-range shops.

✔

Gondolania ✔ ✔ ✔ Cineco 13

✔

DHL Desk ✔ ✔ ✔

✔

✘

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.

Fun City

✔

✘

Wathnan Fun City

✘

Shopping in Qatar

PLAY ZONE

RKETS

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.

Villaggio Mall

Waddan Mall ©

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Other Places to Shop

Shopping in Qatar

Furjan Markets

In addition to malls, there are plenty of other shopping destinations in Qatar such as commercial complexes, 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.

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 Asia and the Arab world. Next to Barwa Village is Retaj Real Estate’s soonto-open residential and commercial development, New Souq Al Haraj. It consists of 552 units: 22 showrooms; 243 shops; 51 kiosks; 211 residential apartments with one and two bedrooms; and 25 offices.

Previous located known as the Wholesale Market in Mesaimeer, Al Sailiya Central Market (Aswaq Sailiya) E1 opened in January 2020, covering over 78,000 sq m. The central market is the largest in Qatar, and 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 Aswaq for Food Facilities Management opened Al Wakra Central Market (Aswaq Wakra) F5 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

Central Markets (Aswaq) Aswaq for Food Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Hassad Foods, manages and operates Qatar's three central markets in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 4407 1111, aswaq.com.qa

Al Sailiya Central Market

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Spanning over 70,000 sq m, 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. 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. 4407 1111, aswaq.com.qa/aswaq-umm-salal Al Mazroua Yard, one of the country's most popular seasonal farmers market, has been located in Aswaq Umm Salal in 2021, extending over 1,800 sq m and includes 44 counters dedicated to selling local produce. 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.

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 traditional souqs or commercial complexes (so-called souqs) 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.

Shopping in Qatar

vegetables and fruits, dried fruit, honey and dates. Open Thursday to Saturday 7 am – 7 pm, between October and June. 4407 1111, aswaq.com.qa/aswaq-wakra

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.

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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.

Shopping in Qatar

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.

The Gold Souq 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.

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

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.

Checked & Updated October 2023

Traditional bridal jewellery is an interesting sight and comprises solid gold belts, gub (small gold caps), hair ornaments, mirtash (chestlength decorated chains) and bracelets.

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.

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Al Kahraba Street

eet

ail Str

i Mu Wad

Exit 5

ree

Msheireb O Museums

33 F

Al Mirqab Boutique

Bismillah Boutique

31 Arumaila

Al Bidda Boutique

Boutique Hotel

20 21

23 24

22 25

Al Jomrok Boutique 27

Souq Waqif Park

Oud & Arabic Perfumes

Souq Waqif Station Metro Gold Line

ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE

Souq Faleh Souq Souq Al Nasser Asiery Bin Saif

marhaba.qa

Souq Waqif

QATAR CENTRAL BANK

Terminal for Banana Island Resort Doha by Anatara

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.

Places of Interest

Restaurants/Cafes

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

Al Corniche Street

Grand Hamad Street

Gold Souq H

DHOW HARBOUR

m St

13 16 P 15 J 17 L 18

Najd Boutique

Rayyan Radio

Un Walkw derground ay to C ar Park

Abd

med St

Al Jasra Boutique Musheireb Boutique

Underground Car Park

Souq Waqif

Jassi

Gold H Souq

K 7

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM Countdown Clock

in Moham

6 9

Jassim B

ham

Bin Mo

3 8

Amiri Diwan

t med S

Al Koot Fort

2 5

Underground Passage between Mosque Car park and Souq Waqif

ullah Bin

treet ulla S n Abd A l i Bi

Al Najada Hotel Apartments by Oaks

Al Najada Hotel

eet

ani Str

Bin Th

1 4

Abdulla

Jassim

Underground Passage between Msheireb and Souq Waqif

Shioukh Mosque

Barahat Msheireb

M Grand Hotel Doha

Park Hyatt Doha Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery

lmood Bin Ja

ire b sha

Exit 1

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Al Kh

Msheireb Metro Interchange Station

Al Rayya n Road

Msheireb Downtown Doha

SOUQ AREA

J K L M N O P Q R S

Le Pouce by César Baldaccini Novo Cinema Police Post Souq Waqif Art Centre Traditional Majlis Msheireb Museums Toilets (F & M) Ladies Waiting & Prayer Room Entrance to Souq Waqif Metro Station Oud & Arabic Perfumes

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

14 Tajeen (Moroccan) 15 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 16 The Village 16 Abdel Kader Alhallab Sweets 18 Tea Time 19 Damasca One 20 Khariss Cafe (Lebanese) 21 Parisa Persian 22 Al Koot Cafe 23 Coffee Beanery 24 Ghanabi Fresh Juices

000

25 Asherg Coffee 26 Bandar Aden (Yemeni) 27 Desert Rose (Ukraine) 28 La Piazza 29 Argan 30 Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill 31 Jasmine Thai 32 Al Terrace 33 Al Jasra Trad Food 34 Falafel Karim 35 Abo Shariha 36 Missan Restaurant 37 Shay Al Shoomos

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FEATURE

A Brief History of Shopping in Qatar By Ola Diab Malls, malls and more malls. A new one opens every few months. But what was Qatar like before all the malls? Where did people shop?

very year in Qatar is marked with the opening of a new mall. With the high temperatures in the summer, shopping malls are a favourite pastime for locals and expats alike. A combination of high incomes, increasingly expensive tastes and luxury brand awareness in Qatar has opened the door to a string of grade A retail developments and outlets. In recent years, Qatar has seen the opening of new malls such as Msheireb Galleria in Msheireb Downtown Doha and the mixed-use entertainment development, Doha Oasis, in Musheireb. This year has witnessed the opening of Place Vendôme in Lusail City, J Mall in Hazm Al Markhiya, and Abu Sidra Mall in Bu Sidra, Al Rayyan. Up and coming new malls are Giardino Mall and 04 Mall in The Pearl Island, Marina Mall in Lusail City, North Gate Mall in Umm Salal Mohammed, Boulevard Mall in Al Kheesa, Doha Mall in Abu Hamour, and Waddan Mall in Mesaieed.

The 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 developments. Still standing today, the Middle Eastern low-rising souqs feature several shops, selling an array of spices, delicacies, perfumes, jewellery, clothing and handicrafts. Souq Waqif, which translates to the standing market, is an ancient souq that was renovated in 2006–2008 to the vibrant tourist attraction it is today. The souq is

named 'the standing souq' because it is believed that water from the sea would rise, swamping the souq. However, shop owners would continue selling their products while standing in the midst of the water. Like Souq Waqif, many of Qatar's old souqs were renovated in recent years. Many of the stores that are there today have been there since the 1970s or earlier. Now, with the various choices of shopping destinations, souqs, especially Souq Waqif, are more touristic rather than shopping destinations.

Home-grown 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. 51 East is Qatar’s leading department store and Darwish Holding's signature retail brand, transforming the retail experience for Qatar’s residents as an emporium of luxury, offering compelling brands that span cosmetics and fragrances, fashion accessories, watches and jewellery, designer fashion and premium technology. Cosmetic and fragrance brands include Amouage, Boucheron, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Sensai, Tom Ford, Welton London, and more. Fashion and shoe retail companies include Calvin Klein, Clarks, Diesel, Kenzo, Giorgio Armani, Saiid Kobeisy, Paco Rabanne, Wolf, and more. Watch and jewellery brands include Boucheron, Bulgari, Swarovski, and more. Premium technology brands include Konig & Meyer, KRK, Fender, and Yamaha. Today, the department store has branches in several places, both stand alone

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and in malls. 51 East is the flagship store of Lagoona Mall. 51east.com

Then came the malls It wasn’t until 1978 that Qatar saw the opening of the first shopping centre, The Centre. It’s 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’s inauguration was a major event, attended by the former emir, The Father Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This year, The Centre celebrated its 44th anniversary. Remaining almost unchanged and one of Qatar’s prominent landmarks, 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 to open 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. The Mall is a fully owned subsidiary of Abraj Real Estate Development Holding Co. themalldoha.com

The Centre opened in 1978

The Mall opened in 1997

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. After The Mall, Landmark Mall opened in 2000, soon followed by City Center Doha in 2001, Hyatt Plaza in 2003, Royal Plaza in 2005 and Villaggio Mall in 2007. Before the opening of these malls, shopping centres served only one purpose – to shop, excluding dining options and entertainment activites. Today, malls serve as both shopping and entertainment destinations for residents and visitors in Qatar. Shoppers can not only enjoy browsing through a wide variety of stores that offer a range of clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and other body accessories, they are also spoilt for choice when it comes to dining – the sweet and the savoury. Newer malls include health initiatives, such as Doha Festival City with its Outdoor Leisure Trail, which caters for both running and cycling. Prior to the recent opening of Mall of Qatar and Doha Festival City, City Centre Doha and Villaggio Mall were considered to be the largest and most popular malls in the country. These two malls boasted the largest cinemas – featuring IMAX and 3D film screens for the first time in Qatar – and ice rinks.

City Center Doha opened in 2001 Center-Doha

By 2010, major luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, Versace, Rolex and Givenchy could be found locally and shopping tastes fell in line with the expensive trends of the region. The great majority of the current and upcoming retail developments in Qatar are focused on the high-end, luxury market. Qatar is an attractive market in this regard as it has one of the world’s highest per capita GDPs. Today, however, after more than a decade of modern retail development in the country, residents of Qatar can choose from a wide selection of high-end luxury brands at home, for which they used to travel abroad to the shopping districts of London, Paris, New York and more to find. m ©

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