Souqs in Qatar

Traditional markets have been in Doha long enough and is a gathering place for merchants to trade their goods and services. They are typically known as 'markets' or 'souqs' in Qatar.
Doha sure has a reputation for luxury stores, but when it comes to authentic culture and fantastic discounts, visiting a souq will be your best bet!

Souq Al Wakrah

You'll find groups of stores arranged according to the services they provide; some are cramped storefronts on crowded streets. At Souq Al Wakrah, you may find a wide variety of traditional products. They include, but are not limited to, clothing, jewelry, dates, sweets, and spices. Really lovely and ideal for a stroll with the family is the Wakrah Souq. Its own corniche is lined with restaurants and has dhows anchored there. The Souq Al Wakrah's architecture, stores, mosques, cafes, and traditional dhow boats all serve as visual representations of the country's ancient history and legacy. Everything in this facility has a vintage feel, which increases its allure. It’s also known as the second Souq Waqif, and is a great place to hangout as they also feature a range of retail outlets, coffee shops and restaurants.

Timing: 8 am to 11 am ; 4pm to 11 pm
Location: Al Wakrah Seafront

Souq Al Faleh

Here, along the same row of stores, you can purchase abayas, stuffed animals, a nightgown, or even suitcases . Almost all items here are sold under QAR 10. Although it's more difficult to bargain here than in the fabric and curio shops, it's nevertheless doable because of the pricing' obvious lowness.

Timing: 9 am - 12 pm; 4 pm - 10 pm
Friday 4- 10 pm
Location: Opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre

Souq Al Jabor

Like most souqs, Souq Al Jabor carries a variety of clothes and kid-friendly items, including clothing and toys. But in addition to nightgowns and children's backpacks, you may also purchase inexpensive items like CDs, jewelry, perfume, and more. Unexpected items that you can purchase here that you didn't realize you needed will surprise you. Additionally, it offers a variety of accessories for tailoring, such as buttons, thread, lace, wool, and even fake flowers. Although there is a culture of haggling here, you can generally find good deals and the pricing is fair.

Timing: 9 am to 1 pm ; 4 pm to 10 pm
Friday 4 am to 10 pm
Location: Opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Center 

Souq Waqif Al Khor 

Through the market, this souq hopes to provide small business owners with chances and draw in well-known retailers. There is no better area than Souq Waqif in Al Khor to go shopping, dining, exploring, or simply to sit at one of the many charming outdoor cafes and people-watch. With a small number of stores, Ain Hleetan market is regarded as a contemporary market with a heritage aesthetic.

Timing: 9 am to 10 pm
Friday - 3pm to 11 pm
Location: Al Khor

Souq Al Ali

Abaya and thobe stores, ready-made garment stores, tailoring shops, some of Qatar's most well-known shawarma eateries, and oud bars can all be found in the Here. Some embroidered clothing is normally worn at home, and it is genuinely gorgeous can be found here. You can also get your shoes repaired here. 

Timing: Everyday 7 am to 12 pm
Location: Doha Expressway Al shamal Road

Souq Waqif 

One of Qatar's most recognizable attractions, Souq Waqif is a favorite with locals, residents, and tourists who appreciate the location's historic ambience and market area, where you can find almost everything. There are a lot of fascinating things to do in Souq Waqif, including dining at some of the top restaurants, cafés, and food carts in Doha Town, which provide a variety of regional and international specialties. Its meandering lanes transport you back in time to the days when people in ancient Qatar lived in such lanes and the stores that lined them. The Souq is a fun spot to hang out with family and friends because of its vitality!

In Qatar, near to Souq Waqif, there is a fantastic, one-of-a-kind souq called The Falcon Souq. Because it displays the core of Qatari society and its extensive history, it is a distinctive souq. You may discover various falcons, falconry tools and supplies, as well as a unique falcon hospital, here. Visitors are welcomed by three enormous falcon statues at the entryway, and seats are scattered throughout the souq's winding lanes so that people may relax and take in their surroundings.

The Gold Souq is next to Souq Waqif. One of the greatest collections of gold jewelry stores in the nation is found in Qatar's Gold Souq. You'll feel as though you've been transported to a fantastical realm made of gold as soon as you enter the Souq. Even if you have no intention of purchasing anything, the magnificent patterns and incredible craftsmanship are fascinating to view. They are considerably more affordable than stores located in malls or elsewhere since the price of the gold jewelry is determined by the weight's price on the day's market.

Timing: Saturday to Thursday: 7:30 am - 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm -10 pm

               Friday: 12.30 pm - 10 pm

Location: Souq Waqif

Souq Al Asery  

One of Qatar's oldest and most well-known souqs is Souq Al Asery. Additionally, it's a tourism attraction that the majority of visitors to Qatar want to see. The best part is that the majority of the items are reasonably priced. Souq Al Asery is a vibrant souq with a variety of different shops that sell practically everything from suitcases to handbags, perfumes to ouds, ready-made clothes to various fabrics, shoes to toys, watches to electronics; you name it, it's there.

Timing: 8 am - 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm 

Location: Souq Al Asery

Souq Haraj  

A market for used items or a flea market is what Souq Haraj is. But Souq Haraj offers more than simply used goods for sale. A large range of additional products are also available, including furniture, home appliances, beds, curtains, rugs, air conditioners, fans, home décor, and much more. One of the busiest souqs in Qatar, where people from all walks of life come to shop for various items. Some people like used goods, while others prefer to purchase brand-new goods.

Timing: Saturday – Thursday: 8 am - 1 pm, 4 pm -10 pm

              Friday: 4 pm - 10 pm

Location: Souq Haraj

Souq Al Dira 

One of Doha's most vibrant souqs, Souq Al Dira is a top choice for anybody searching for textiles and materials, whether they be more affordable or luxurious and pricey types. The Souq offers a large selection of colorful fabrics and materials for both men and women, as well as affordable custom abayas. Lace, organza, silk, cotton, crepe, georgette, cashmere pashmina, and a vast array of other materials are available. Everyone can find something. Oh, and the prices are negotiable, so make use of this while negotiating the price of a cloth you wish to purchase. The business owners anticipate it and even like it. 

Timing: Saturday to Thursday: 8 am - 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Location: Souq Al Dira

It is usually advisable to arrive prepared and be prepared to negotiate because most souqs deal largely in cash. Bargaining is an integral element of the souq experience and culture.

Which of these souqs did you not know of? Let us know!

-----

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. 

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial 

Inline Images Credit - Marhaba, Doha Directory, Mapio, Hotels, Urban Capture