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Souq Waqif photo By Diego Delso

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is a marketplace in Doha, in the estate of Qatar. The market sells traditional garments, spices, souvenirs and handicrafts among others.

It is located in the district of Al Souq, which is situated in the centre of Doha. It was a gathering and trading place where Bedouins and locals would trade a variety of goods most especially livestock goods.

The market was destroyed in a fire tragedy in 2003, and the event initiating its restoration program by the government was held in 2006. The rebuilding of the market was completed in 2008.

Shops in Waqif are open from 10 am to noon and re-open from 4 pm to 10 pm while most restaurants open all day, from 8.00 to midnight and some are even open for 24 hours.

1. It was Gathering Place for Bedouins

Souq Waqif was established more than a hundred years ago. It acted as a trading place where Bedouins and the local people would exchange an assortment of products and socialize, and get to learn more about each other.

Initially, Souq Waqif was directly linked to the shore for easy boat access but today it still faces the water, however, the link to the seafront is now divided by a major road and a park.

2. The Meaning of Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif photo By Diego Delso

The name had a significant meaning and how the name was established. According to history vendors used to stand and sell their goods from temporary stalls in Souq Waqif.

Hence given the name Waqif means ‘standing’ in Arabic, since they used to stand while selling goods. The name Souq Waqif means ‘the standing market’. The first semi-permanent stalls in the Souq were built around 250 years ago.

3. Souq Waqif was Damaged by a Fire Tragic

It is said a part of Souq Waqif was damaged by a fire tragic incident in the year 2003. However, the management of the place decided to renovate the whole area even the area which was not damaged.

They decided to redevelop the area in the style of a 19th-century Souq, including mud-rendered shops, exposed timber beams, and tastefully restored original buildings.  The renovation was completed in the year 2008, giving us the beautiful Souq Waqif of today.

4. The Market Always has Room for Bargain

Souq is a bargain-free market hence buyers have the opportunity to express themselves and give a price they think the commodity is worth till they come to an agreement with the seller.

The things in this market are sold at a cheap price, and you can get some great deals on spices, luggage, handbags, and shoes among others.

5. Home to the Oldest and First Hotel in Qatar

Sou Waqif photo By Diego Delso

Souq Waqif is said to have nine unique and famous boutique hotels. The interesting part is that Bismillah Hotel one of the boutique hotels is the oldest and first hotel in Qatar. This hotel was built and established back in the 1950s.

Despite being the home to the first hotel in the whole of Qatar country, Souq is home to dozens of restaurants which offer different kinds of cuisines from Qatar, Yemen, Iraqi and Indian dishes.

6. There are Porters who help the Shoppers Carry their Goods

To any tourist visiting the standing market and what to do shopping since the commodities are cheap and bargaining is acceptable here, don’t limit yourself due to fear of wondering how to carry them.

Around the markets, there are people who assist the shoppers to carry their goods in a wheelbarrow as they shop around. They are known as porters or Hamali and their services are good and affordable. They help in carrying you are goods up to your car.

7. There is Pet Areas

Within the Souq Waqif, there are pet stalls which sell a variety of domestic pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and turtles. In recent years the living conditions of pets have been the subject of advocacy campaigns.

The proponents have been arguing that the animals suffer from a lack of proper healthcare and are exposed to adverse weather conditions. Customers also complained that some stall owners give vaccination records which are false.

The falcon has a separate area reserved for its handling. The falcon souq sells falcons and the needed accessories for falcons such as landing pads and GPS guidance systems for the bird.

8. Tourism and Attraction Site

Sou Waqif photo By Diego Delso

Souq is one of the famous attraction sites within Doha. Millions of people visit the area annually to tour and explore the amazing market.

There are as well activities that take place here hence attracting many tourists such as a yearly spring festival around April that hosts many theatricals, musical performances, and acrobatics.

Souq Waqif Storm event which featured WWE wrestlers attracted spectators from all over the world. This is a must-visit place and I recommend it to all tourist touring Doha don’t miss this market.

9. Sells Traditional Garments, Spices, Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Many of the small shops and vast alleyways in Souq sell traditional garments, spices and seasonal delicacies including fresh dates and nuts, clothing, perfumes, ornate jewellery and handicrafts among others.

Apart from the old garments, spices e.t.c, Waqif is a place where you can buy much interesting stuff such as magic lipstick ( despite the colour you buy when you apply will always be red), mega lollipop, miswak, kajal, Tibet snow and henna among others.

10. Activities to Do at Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif photo By Diego Delso

There are many activities to do in Souq Waqif which are interesting and attracts tourist from all over the world. As a tourist, you can spend almost the whole day at the market exploring each corner and lane.

Some of the other activities to undertake in this traditional market in Doha include shopping for the clothes such as traditional scarfs, embroidered cloaks or any piece of clothing since this market as a lot to offer.

Another activity is to eat in style since visiting the Souq is not worth it if you leave without tasting delicacies from one of Waqif restaurants in Doha.

Exploring Arabic art is another amazing activity to do in Souq. Here you get to explore the local art galleries and exhibition spaces. One of the interesting things to do in Qatar is to enjoy the local artwork by various artists.