Erin Hunter
Tipped to be a one-stop retail heartland for true blue fashionistas Doha is a metropolis that is renowned for its sky piercing malls. Here is a countdown of the city's top shopping complexes.
Tipped to be one of the best malls in the city the City Center Doha is also the most expansive mall in all of Doha. Home to over 370 shops the mega retail space is spread out over five floors. Located along the trendy West Bay area within close range of the Corniche the venue is also a hub for dining enthusiasts as it is home to a large number of restaurants and a popular food court. Housing several supermarkets including a Carrefour outlet as well as its own ice rink and Cineplex with 14 theatres this sprawling shopping space is one of the most popular recreational venues in the city. Visitors staying in Somerset West Bay Doha or other Doha service apartments in the area will enjoy easy access to the site.
Regarded as one of the most visited shopping malls in Doha the ever busy Landmark Mall is contained within the plush confines of a structure that resembled a traditional castle in Qatar. Home to a large number of globally recognized brands such as H&M, Marks & Spencer and Zara the venue also houses a Virgin Megastore and a BHS. A 13 screen Cineplex and a special play region for children dubbed Circus Land is also part of the property while hot pick restaurants at the Landmark Mall include TGIFriday, Maya La Chocolaterie and Lebanese fare giant Wafi Gourmet.
Revered by serious fashionistas the place to purchase high end luxury goods and lifestyle items this boutique mall is also home to the US Polo Association, Pandora and Bang & Olufsen. As the headquarters of iSpace, Qatar's Apple retailer the venue also houses flagship outlets of Bose and top-notch eateries the likes of Wagamama, Sugar n Spice and Green is Better. Open 10 am to 10pm from Saturday to Wednesday the venue is open till midnight on both Thursdays and Fridays.
Occupying the bustling confines of one of Doha's most congested areas the Royal Plaza mall is another retail highlight situated in the centre of Al Sadd. Home to more than 101 shops the venue is perhaps best known for its 1920'a style theatre with three cinemas. Other attractions include the Ray's Reef submerged water based play region for children. The locale's Violet Room remains one of the city's favorite banquet halls while the eclectic flagship stores occupying the Plaza are no less impressive.
As Doha's premier mall the aptly named establishment first opened its doors to the public back in 1998. Spread out across two floors the venue remains one of the city's favourite retail hubs to date. Housing more than 74 stores within its luxurious confines some of the other highlights on-site include a three screen Cineplex, a kid's play area and fine dining restaurants the likes of Chili's and the Opera Cafe.
Another mega mall in Doha, Villaggio houses a whopping 220 stores within its stylish confines. Designed to resemble the Italian city of Venice the locale is also home to a 150m long canal that is serviced by gondolas. A recreational park dubbed Gondolania is also part of the landscape in addition to a 13 screen Cineplex and a massive food court.
