Joanna James
Souq Waqif was constructed on the same spot that housed the historical vintage trading market of Doha. Standing proud and strong like an icon from the past, the rustic marketplace is a stark contrast to the modern allures of the city. Here are some of the best things to explore at Souq Waqif.
Enjoy one of the more unique attractions of the Souq by heading over to the Falcon Souq where you can get up close and personal with one of the elegant birds. Have a bird pose on your arm and take a few photos or decide to splurge and buy yourself a falcon in all its finery. If you want to learn more about the Emirati fascination with the bird, head over to the special falcon hospital.
The Gold Souq is certainly not to be missed where the precious metal is fashioned into the most fascinating ornaments and sold; explore the range from beautiful and intricate headgear to full chest armour. But apart from the outlandish, you can shop for beautiful and elegant jewellery such as bangles, necklaces and more. The gold is of the highest quality with officials constantly monitoring all stalls to ensure sellers maintain the standards. The Gold Souq is easy to reach from well-located serviced apartments Doha has to offer, with some like Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks representing typical Arabic hospitality and extravagance just like the gold Souq.
Wandering along the narrow alleyways of the Souq exploring the range of treasures is one of the best experiences for shopaholics to savour. The collection of goods is fascinating and exotic, ranging from shoes, and leather goods, to gorgeous coloured fabrics, spices and antiques that are straight out of the Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Make sure to choose a hotel close to Souq Waqif in Doha and you can enjoy several trips to the market during your stay.
The Souq Waqif Art Centre is an elegant space for treating the culture buff in you to elegant artworks by local and visiting artisans. The building on its own is an aesthetically pleasant set up complete with hand-painted tiles, impressive woodwork and pretty lanterns lighting up the halls. Enjoy an immersive experience by taking part in the workshops conducted by the artists and test your creative talents.
Learn about Qatar's humble beginnings as a pearling nation by visiting the Pearl Shop within the Souq. There, the owner will be more than happy to update you about the pearling industry that helped shape Qatar, and also about the lost heritage when pearling was no longer the country's main economy.
Souq Waqif is one of the most fascinating attractions in Doha and certainly warrants plenty of attention, so make sure you spend a few days revisiting the place from the comfort of your Doha hotel.
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.
