Souq Waqif

Al Souq St, Doha, Qatar

Points of Interest Shopping Street Markets

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Description

Souq Waqif (Arabic: سوق واقف ) (Arabic for “the standing market”) is a souq (marketplace) in Doha, Qatar. Traditional clothes, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs are available at the souq. Restaurants and shisha lounges may also be found here. The original structure, in typical Qatari architectural style, dates at least from the twentieth century. In 2006, it was refurbished.

It is located in the area of Al Souq, which is in the heart of Doha. The area used to be positioned close adjacent to the coast to give boats access since it was a trading mart. Although the direct route to the waterfront for boats remains, it is now separated by a major road and the recently constructed park.

The souq was established at least a century ago beside the dry riverbed known as Wadi Musheireb. It was a meeting point where Bedouins and villagers exchanged a variety of items, mostly animals. However, as income increased in the 1990s, the Souq declined, and the most of it was destroyed in a fire in 2003. In 2006, the government launched a restoration campaign to preserve the city’s architectural and historical identity. The Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, sponsored the initial phase of restoration. Buildings built after the 1950s were destroyed, while older buildings were renovated. In 2008, the restoration was finished. Traditional heating techniques are used, which include the use of wood and bamboo brought from various parts of Asia.

A yearly spring festival in April features a variety of theatrical, acrobatic, and musical events. The most people turned up for the Souq Waqif Storm event, which included WWE wrestlers. The potential of a repeat festival was discussed.

The Al Rayyan Theatre, a 980-seat indoor theatre, is located in the souq.