Joanna James
The capital of Qatar, Doha offers plenty of shopping fun be it at its traditional souqs or sprawling mega malls. These are some of the retail hubs worth visiting when on holiday here.
The Middle East is known for its amazing array of gold products and Doha is no exception when it comes to offering plenty of accessories that will give your "look" that extra bling factor! Of course, when it comes to such products the best place to go to is the Gold Souq which has become one of the popular Doha attractions in the city. Even if your budget may not permit extravagant spending, it is still a great place to visit and view the exquisite items on sale. Most of the gold products are 22-carat including bracelets, earrings, necklaces and even special sets for brides. For a truly unique souvenir, you can get a gold item, say a necklace, for example, inscribed with your name written in Arabic. And it's not just gold that can be found here, with platinum and silver products available as well.
To experience fun retail therapy and soak up some local culture, shopping at the Souq Waqif is a not to be missed experience. While this historic site has been renovated, it still retains its old world charm and as you wander along the twisting alleyways past traditional buildings, it is not hard to imagine how life would have been like in a time long ago. Finding accommodation in the area itself such as at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is a great way to truly experience the locale's atmosphere. Popular amongst locals and international travellers alike, the souq offers an eclectic array of items that make for unique souvenirs and mementos of your visit. Local handicrafts, classical garments, intricately designed rugs, carpets and Bedouin weaving, prayer beads and jewellery can all be found here. There are also plenty of dining options and even Shisha lounges at this most fascinating souq.
For something more modern, one can visit Qatar's biggest shopping centre, the City Centre Doha. Located within easy reach of the Hamad International Airport, this sprawling retail hub features a rich array of choices be it local, regional or international products spread across it five floors. Mango, Debenhams, Home Centre, and Nike all have anchor stores here, while there are over 30 restaurants on site too. Families also have much to enjoy here including an ice rink, bowling alley and cinema complex with multi screens offering the latest movies.
At Villaggio, you not only have the opportunity to find the latest fashion items, but also enjoy the feeling of holidaying in Venice! This expansive mall has been designed to mirror Venice and comes complete with canals where one can even enjoy gondola rides. Virgin Megastore, Carrefour and Marks & Spencer all have anchor stores here, while fashionistas will find Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani and Christian Dior among the brand name designer items that can be found at Villaggio. There is even the Gondolania Theme Park featuring everything from go-karting to ice skating offering an unforgettable day of fun.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
