SOUQ WAQIF: An ode to history, culture

The name “Souq Waqif” originates from the fact that merchants used to stand at the entrances to display their wares. It is a renowned heritage market and tourist attraction in Qatar. With a history dating back over 250 years, it is one of the most well-known traditional markets in the region. In 2000, Qatar ordered the restoration of the market, which was done in a traditional architectural style to preserve its historical significance. The market features a variety of traditional goods such as spices, clothes and wood. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. In addition, Souq Waqif also boasts an array of restaurants and cafes that serve a variety of cuisines from around the world.

Here are some of the highlights of a day’s proposed tour:

Falcon Souq

Located within the confines of Souq Waqif, the Falcon Souq is one of the most exciting places to visit in Doha. Visitors can admire the majestic birds from up close, take photographs and, under the shopkeeper’s watchful eye, pose with a falcon perched on the arm. It has its own entrance with a gilded plaque identifying the location

Falcon Hospital

Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital is the largest hospital for falcons in the world, providing many distinct services and health care for falcons, in addition to its high expertise in surgical operations, treatment of various diseases of falcons, feather splinting and offering seasonal vaccinations. Currently, the hospital provides clinical and laboratory services to a daily turnover of 130-150 falcons during the peak season and up to 50 falcons daily during the moulting season.

Camel Area

You can head to the camel pen near the Falcon Souq to see these doeeyed creatures, or wander to the Amiri Stables where beautiful Arabian horses hold sway in between taking the heritage police on their daily rounds of the souq.

Traditional Police Horse Parade

Watching the mounted police parade through the souq on their beautiful horses is always a sight for sore eyes. You feel transported to an old era.

Bismillah — the first hotel in Qatar

Bismillah hotel was built in the 1950s and is now managed by boutique company Tivoli Hotels. It was originally built in the early 1900s by a wealthy merchant named Abdullah Al Thani. The heritage building location has tiled balconies for people-watching in the souq, and just two large, opulent private residences. Suitable for families, these apartments are decked out in contemporary Arabesque design, with kitchenettes and lounge areas.

Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel

Al Jomrok is a stylish sanctuary blending comfort, hospitality and casual dining facilities within an atmosphere of tranquil cosiness characterised by cultured style and modern flair. Al Jomrok’s wooden floorings and wall decorations are the hallmarks of the hotel’s sophisticated interior design details inspired by Qatari heritage.

Qatari Pearl Diver

Qatar was once at the heart of the pearl industry. At the pearl shop nestled amid the stores selling handicrafts, you can chat with the owner – a former pearl diver, learn about the lost art of pearling, and see the many varieties of white, pink and grey pearls.

Perfume Souq

The Qatari culture is marked by aromatic substances such as bukhoor for households and open spaces as well as strong fragrances for individuals. The Perfume Souq offers all of these riches in abundance. From oudh and musk to custom-made perfume, kohl, argan oil and henna design stencils, many of the region’s traditional fragrances and cosmetics find a home at the souq.

Spice Market

For the sheer pleasure of the spices spilling out of jute sacks, this is the place to be. From whole or ground spices, indulge exotic Arabic aromatics like saffron, zater, sumac, dried flowers, dried black lemons, and endless varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans.

Craft Centre

This place has been designated to be an integrated centre for handicrafts that aims to preserve, protect, develop and disseminate and present live nontypical shows of the various methods of manufacturing traditional handicrafts. You may find the shop that created the bisht for football legend Lionel Messi that he was presented with after his team was crowned the World Champions in December.

Al Koot Fort

Its name is derived from the house built in the form of a fort by the water, and it was built in 1927 during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the ruler of Qatar at the time.

Souq Waqif Art Center

Since Souq Waqif reflects the spirit of Qatari culture with its arts and aesthetics, this centre is considered one of the most aesthetic and popular art centres in the country. It includes many different art galleries to provide the opportunity for artists to perform shows and share their creativity.

The Golden Thumb Statue

It was sculptured to mark the greatest sporting success in the country’s history, which hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Majlis al Dama

Majlis al Dama, an unassuming coffee shop, is popular among locals for its qahwa helwa, loosely translated as sweet coffee, a mixture of coffee, orange zest, cardamom, cinnamon and saffron; the karak-strong tea with spices and full-cream milk and for its dama (checkers) tournaments.

Souq Waqif Antique Auction

The auction at Souq Waqif Doha every Friday afternoon for antique and heritage items sees big turnout. Time for you to turn out for it as well! n

The day long tour rounds up with a Romantic Dinner at Al Shurfa – QR 300 inclusive of special sharing menu for two.