Residents and tourists in Qatar have a new hangout spot to visit not too far from Doha - Souq Al Wakra is becoming a major attraction.

Commonly known as the second Souq Waqif, Souq Al Wakra is located behind Al Wakrah Petrol station next to the port and is merely a two-minute drive away from the popular Family beach.

The market boasts a few dozen shops, cafes and restaurants with a 3km coastline with a Corniche for people to walk along.

The opening of this Souq comes as a major boost for residents living in the southern areas of Qatar like Mesaeed as there are only limited recreational options outside Doha.

Visiting this Souq is not a hassle as there is a huge parking lot right outside the business area that can accommodate several hundred vehicles.

All the structures and shops at SOuq Al Wakra are designed to give impressions of pseudo-aged architecture and design, a break from the whitewashed and grand-styled infrastructures emerging in the country.

The souq looks like a cross between Qatar's original Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village. The Al Wakrah market will eventually be home to hundreds of shops and eateries.

Have you visited Souq Al Wakra yet?

Photo: Qatar Skeptic