Joanna James
As the Middle East's favourite retail Mecca, Qatar is truly one of the region's best loved shopping hubs. Here are some of the top malls and retail venues to explore during a visit to the country.
Tipped to be one of Qatar's most iconic traditional markets, the Gold Souq is a one of a kind thoroughfare for all that glitters. Even if one does not have the means to bag some of the breathtaking gold jewellery items and precious stones sold at the venue, a tour of the market is a must for all first time visitors to Qatar to witness the sheer diversity of jewellery in gold, platinum and even silver on display. Open from Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm and then once again from 4 pm to 10 pm, the market is open only in the afternoon hours on Fridays.
Another conventional Bedouin market, the Souq Waqif is truly a maze that winds its way around a vast expanse. Selling everything under the sun from clothing, textiles and perfumes to handicrafts and spices, the Souq Waqif is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the country. Having once been a simple camel trading market the souq has grown in size and scale over the decades to become an indispensible part of Doha's retail landscape. Those based at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli or most other hotels in Doha Qatar in the area will find that the market is within close proximity to their accommodation providers.
Travellers in search of the highest quality textiles, laces, silk and cashmere will find no finer alternative to the Souq Al Dira for their wares of choice. This is also one of the best markets to practice one's haggling skills as prices are anything but fixed. Those who wish to have a suit, jacket or dress made will also find that a host of expert tailor shops are also part of the market and locals tend to have traditional Arabic attire custom sewn at the venue.
As one of the largest shopping malls in all of Qatar, this mammoth retail hotspot will impress even the pickiest fashionistas. With enough signature stores and luxury brands to keep tourists entertained for hours if not days. Home to a whopping 500 stores, the Mall of Qatar is spread out across an impressive 5.4 million square feet. What's more, the venue is a prime entertainment Mecca for the masses as 100 restaurants and 19 cinema halls are also part of the mall in addition to bowling alleys and play areas.
Located on the same grounds as the Museum of Islamic Art, the MIA Park Bazaar takes place every weekend and is one of Qatar's most vibrant art markets. With local crafts, art works and culinary offerings taking centre stage shoppers will also find a great selection of books, clothing items and souvenirs at the bazaar. Held from the months of September to April or the winter season in Qatar, there are at least 150 stalls occupying the bazaar every weekend.
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.
