Joanna James
Doha has evolved into a dream shopping destination in the last 10 years and it is a title that the city highly deserves. There are sleek, modern shopping malls and ancient souqs where traders have been bringing and selling wares for centuries. Here are the top 5 places to shop until you drop.
Souq Waqif should be the first stop on your list for it is a place of dreams. This fascinating labyrinth is Qatar's oldest market or souq as the locals call it and have long been a busy congregation point for bedouin doing barters and trades for camels, carpets and other such essentials that nomadic lifestyles require. Located on Al Souq Street just 200 m walking distance from Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli. The Souq isn't the best place to visit during the scorching midday hours but early morning or late in the evening it makes the most magical location and you might fancy yourself travelling back in time.
All that glitters on Al Ahmed Street is in fact, gold! The Gold Souq features lovingly crafted jewellery and precious stones that cost an eye and a tooth as well as affordable gold accessories. It is a place where you will find people from all walks of life. Keep in mind that the souq will be very busy on local holidays for it is a tradition that the menfolk of Qatar buy a 22-carat bangle for their women on holidays. The Gold Souq is open from 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm from Saturday to Thursday and only from 4 pm to 10 pm on Fridays.
If the sun and heat of Doha gets too much for you and you are not interested in spending all your time inside one of the best hotels in Qatar, you can head out to Doha Festival City for some snow. The indoor snow slide and Snow Dune hills aren't the only things you can experience in this grand and sleek new supermall. There are trampoline parks, places for the whole family to hang out, ziplines, a go-kart track and over 100 restaurants if you are feeling peckish and would like a bite. Not to mention the 100s of shops and boutiques.
The Wholesale Market of Doha is close to the Omani Souq and sells some great fresh produce which you can buy in bulk. The prices are very competitive, and the displays make for some colourful photograph opportunities. There's also an animal section where you can find pens of live animals like cows, sheep and goats as well as butchered meat for sale.
All the colourful and high-quality Qatari textiles you have heard so much about can be bought at the Souq Al Dira. There is lace, silk, cashmere and pashmina and thanks to the fact that there are no fixed prices you can try out your hand at some haggling.
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.
