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Money & Shopping in Qatar
Even though an espresso in the National Library costs QAR15, Qatar may also be very affordable (a good meal in a local restaurant is the same price). Costs in touristy regions are typically higher. Oil is inexpensive.
Money In Qatar
The national currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of QR 3.64 per US dollar. One riyal is divided into 100 dirhams, with coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 dirhams. The riyal is available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 notes.
It is quite easy to exchange major world currencies in Qatar, as well as the currencies of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Prices are quite similar between banks and money changers, with a large concentration of money changers near the Doha Gold Souk. There are many banks in Doha, with branches also in larger cities. Travellers’ cheques are accepted by the major banks.
Shopping In Qatar
Regular international names like H&M, Zara, and Mango can be found in many of the malls in Qatar. The largest shopping centers are City Center, Festival City, and Mall of Qatar. There are other local and Middle Eastern brands.
Luxurious brands from all over the world can be found at the pearl. It is Qatar’s premier location for luxury shopping.
Two times a year, Blue Salon holds massive deals where you can get Armani, Valentino, and Cerutti suits for half off. There are numerous things to buy here, however cheap pearls should be avoided because they could be false. Qatar is a fantastic destination to get clothing tailored because there are so many talented tailors there.
Although the goods are typically of lower quality than those found in malls, the souqs in the heart of Doha also have a lot to offer. Practice your negotiating abilities because prices are frequently negotiable. The most intriguing souq is Souq Waqif (The Standing Souk), which has been restored to seem as it did fifty or sixty years ago.
Luxury
Qatar is filled with upscale retail places. Take your pick and feel like royalty while wandering around Doha’s finest shopping destinations, which feature some of the world’s finest brands, experiences, and services.
Visit The Pearl and stroll around its various local businesses, including Loft for sneaker-heads and street-style fans, Perlei Couture for luxury clothes, and Cellini Signature for bespoke men’s tailoring, for a well-rounded experience. The Pearl also features premium labels such as Hermes Paris and Versace, which are known worldwide.
Galeries Lafayette Doha on 21 High Street, which anchors Katara Cultural Village, offers visitors a variety of retail options, and its stunning dome-shaped structures are nothing short of works of art. The spectacular 14,500-square-meter open shopping area houses 400 top-tier brands, guaranteeing the finest shopping experience. While strolling along the elegant, air-conditioned pathways of Katara High Street, you may get a taste of Paris and traditional Qatari hospitality. Many residents consider this area to be the premier destination for fashion, beauty, and luxury. Katara Cultural Village is also not to be missed, since it is home to a bustling cultural scene comprised of art, cuisine, and cultural events and activities.
For a taste of Italy, visit Al Hazm Mall, a popular destination among residents, especially during the winter months. Choose from the several upscale boutiques exclusive to this Italianate-style shopping wonderland. Stroll through its expansive marbled arcades and experience authentic Arabian hospitality with personal shopping and a variety of other facilities, including as valet parking, a children’s section, and limousine services.
Traditional
The Souqs of Qatar offer visitors all of the above and more, since they cater to both locals and those seeking cultural immersion in addition to shopping. If a personalised experience is not enough, tourists can leave the Souq with custom-made things, such as a traditional aroma from one of the many oudh and perfume shops or a suit made from the finest textiles at Souq Al Dira.
Souq Waqif, The Gold Souq, and Souq Al Wakrah are the ideal sites for a cultural excursion.
The mud-daubed structures of Souq Waqif transport tourists back in time, and the market’s twisting alleys illustrate ancient street life. The stores that line the cobbled walkways of Souq Waqif sell a wide variety of commodities, including shoes, antiques, handicrafts, and regional artifacts. In workshops close to the Souq, woven fabrics, rugs, wooden furniture, and glass ornaments are manufactured. Aspiring musicians can also locate regional instruments such as the oud, assorted drums, and flutes.
Indulge your senses at the spice market, where jute sacks filled with a range of aromatic blends, tea leaves, and coffee beans line the meandering passageways.
Additionally, oudh, musk, and traditional perfume oils are available. At one of the several Oudh and perfume shops, visitors can create custom traditional perfumes and enjoy a personalized experience.
The Gold Souq, located adjacent to Souq Waqif, offers a wide variety of jewelry, from traditional styles and basic everyday pieces to sophisticated multi-tiered masterpieces; the Gold Souq has you covered regardless of your budget.
Immediately adjacent to Souq Waqif is Souq Al Deira, a historic fabric and textile market that carries the finest Indian silks, high-quality embroidery, and genuine cashmere pashminas. Souq Al-Deira is a joy for fashion and luxury fabric enthusiasts. Visitors can select a fabric and design to make a personalized memento. If you are in Doha for a longer period of time, you can depart Souq Al-Deira with a wonderfully made garment or traditional abaya, as the Souq is home to some of the finest tailors in the country.
Souq Al Wakra, also known as the Souq by the Sea, is comparable to Souq Waqif in that it offers traditional and modern shopping options directly on the shore.
Family-friendly
In Qatar, shopping with the family is simple and enjoyable. There are numerous malls and sites in Qatar that offer enjoyable activities for children and adults.
Doha Festival City (DFC) and Mall of Qatar (MoQ) are two places you cannot miss if you’re searching for a more family-friendly experience.
Doha Festival City is a one-stop family destination with over 400 companies, ranging from high-street worldwide favorites to exclusive luxury boutiques, children’s shops, and an abundance of entertainment alternatives. The mall’s 650,000-square-kilometer size and first-rate amenities and services make it a shoppers’ paradise and a favorite destination for families and singles. Whether you are seeking for Qatar-exclusive presents, luxury apparel, or children’s amusement businesses, DFC has countless alternatives. Not to mention the numerous children’s entertainment alternatives and indoor theme parks that will thrill, excite, and engage children while their parents shop.
Mall of Qatar offers 500,000 square meters of unrivaled shopping ecstasy, with year-round deals, first-rate recreation activities, and outstanding leisure alternatives; it’s no wonder that locals and visitors alike consider MoQ a favorite. With over 520 businesses and services ranging from high-end to high-street favorites, the location will leave you spoiled for choice. The limitless entertainment options, such as a Family Entertainment Complex “Xtremeland” Cinema and year-round shows and activities, will guarantee that the entire family will have a good time.
Villaggio Mall is a paradise for shopaholics with a variety of high-street and luxury selections. The Venetian-inspired Via Domo is lined with stores such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada, among other renowned designer brands. Bring the entire family? There is something for everyone, beginning with a gondola ride through the mall’s central canal if you need a break from shopping.
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What souvenirs to buy in Qatar?
Qatar is a terrific shopping location with unique things that are uncommon in other nations. There are a great number of exclusive shopping complexes with high-end fashion and luxury labels. When searching for an authentic present or memento, however, you should visit the bustling souqs (traditional markets).
Souq Waqif, the largest and oldest market in Qatar, is the greatest spot in Doha to purchase souvenirs. You may discover everything from traditional handicrafts to linens, spices, and perfume in the meandering alleys. Here is a list of the most intriguing Qatari souvenirs to assist you decide what to bring home. And remember, don’t be afraid to negotiate. It is encouraged because it is part of the local shopping culture.
Al-Sadu weavings
Al-Sadu, a textile handwoven from camel and goat hair, is one of the most traditional Qatari souvenirs available for purchase. The nomadic Bedouin tribe has utilized this form of embroidery for thousands of years to construct tents, rugs, blankets, and pillows.
The traditional colors of the textiles include black, white, brown, beige, and red, and they feature geometric shapes and motifs that represent the tribe’s rich cultural legacy and desert environment. At Souq Waqif, you may watch local women weaving. At the Corniche end of the souk, you will find an entire shop selling Al-Sadu textiles of all types.
Dallah coffee pots
Nothing symbolizes Arabic hospitality more than the brass or silver dallah, the traditional Arabic coffee pot. In the Qatari coffee tradition, the coffee pot has been used for centuries to brew and serve qahwa, a strong and spicy Arabic coffee made with cardamom. The bitter coffee is consumed from miniature metal cups known as finjaan.
Dallah are elaborately embellished with geometric engravings and even diamonds, making them more decorative than useful. Whether or not you drink coffee, the real coffee pot is a beautiful ornament for your home that may also liven up your teatime. You may find them at the Souq Waqif, as well as in most hotel gift shops and mall souvenir shops such as City Center and Royal Plaza.
Pashminas, shawls and scarves
We frequently purchase souvenirs that are aesthetically pleasing but impractical for regular use. However, shawls and scarves are an exception. These warm yet delicate outfits, woven from pure cashmere wool, are ideal for traveling, camping, beach cover-ups, and formal dining attire.
Pashminas in Qatar are more affordable than in other countries and are available in a variety of colors, designs, and quality. And since they are foldable and lightweight, why not purchase several and give them as gifts? The only difficult decision will be which colors to purchase. The Bombay Silk Center on Al Khaleej Street and the Oriental Carpet Company in Bin Mehmood are popular destinations for purchasing high-quality pashminas in Doha. You’ll discover less expensive ones at Souq Waqif.
Arabic sweet treats
Qatar is renowned for its extensive selection of premium Arabic sweets. In souqs, shopping malls, and cafés, you can enjoy a range of pastries and candies that are traditional to Qatar and the Middle East. Consider rose-flavored candy made with grape molasses and packed with pistachios, sweet dumplings topped with sesame seeds, and the perennially famous baklava.
Also available are natural honey, locally grown dates, and a variety of nuts. Dates are of particular cultural significance in Qatar since they break the fast during Ramadan and come in a variety of colors, sizes, and levels of sweetness. Extremely sweet-toothed consumers can fulfill their cravings by purchasing chocolate-covered dates, pistachio and nut-filled dates, dates rolled with coconut or Arabic coffee, and dates loaded with pistachios and nuts. Doha’s Al Aker Sweets is located on Salwa Road. Visit the Fal Elkhair Dried Dates Shop in Souq Waqif for unique date selections available by the box.
Oud fragrance
Oud is the signature scent of Qatar. Everywhere you walk, from homes and automobiles to souqs, hotels, and shopping centers, you’ll smell the lovely aroma of burning incense. Oud, often known as the “Wood of the Gods,” is made from the rare agarwood tree’s sticky heartwood.
Although oud is available in several forms, mostly as hardwood chips for burning and body oil, purchasing a bottle of oud-based perfume is strongly advised. If only for the sensation of letting rich Arabic perfumes to envelop your senses as you explore each one. Ajmal Perfumes in Souq Waqif sells scents created locally. There are also perfume boutiques in every shopping mall in the country, including City Center, Hyatt Plaza, and Royal Plaza.
Incense
In Qatar, you may get a range of incense as well as traditional incense burners, in addition to local perfumes. There are numerous scents to pick from, so take the time to identify your favorite.
Popular because of its deep, relaxing aroma, frankincense is a popular choice. In addition, shoppers can purchase bakhoor, an exotic, sweet-smelling ball of oud (agarwood) blended with oils such as ambergris, sandalwood, powdered flowers, oats, and white musk. Even if you’re not a lover of smoking incense, the burner is a beautiful keepsake to display in your house. Behind the Central Market, Souq Waqif and Omani Souq are fantastic places to find them.
Decorated shisha pipes
A decorative shisha pipe, which is tall, delicate, and eye-catching, gives character to any corridor or living area. Moreover, it is an excellent conversation starter. Smoking Shisha is an iconic Middle Eastern habit that is deeply rooted in Qatari culture. The pipes are known as hookahs and are commonly found in homes, restaurants, gatherings, and shisha lounges.
In Qatar, you may purchase many types of shisha pipes, ranging from small ones intended for decoration to larger ones for smoking. Smoker or non-smoker, a decorated shisha is an authentic and colorful Qatari souvenir; you may even get one personalized for a loved one. Souq Waqif displays a vast variety of goods. Most stores that sell food and fragrances also sell shisha.
Ornamental Arabic box
When visiting Qatar, a decorative Arabic box is an excellent souvenir to purchase. Not only are the boxes easy to put into a luggage, but they are also quite useful for storing jewelry and other small items around the house. They make the ideal present.
The finely carved wooden boxes are available in a variety of sizes and styles. They are traditionally embellished with complex patterns, which makes them extremely special. For something more exotic, there are camel bone boxes inlaid with metal or pearls and boxes made of bronze. You may find them at Souq Waqif, Oriental Carpet Company on Suhaim Bin Hamad Street, as well as City-Center Doha and Royal Plaza. Qatar Duty-Free at Hamad International Airport allows for last-minute purchases.
Arabian lamps
There is no doubt that Arabian lamps are exquisitely beautiful and provide a dreamlike, enchanted touch to any personal space. There is a vast selection of one-of-a-kind designs to choose from, each featuring brilliantly colored glass, intricate patterns, and elegant shapes.
Smaller hanging lamps are less expensive and easy to transport back home. However, you may be tempted to get a table lamp with a swan-neck and a metal base. No matter the option you choose, all of the lamps are sensitive and must be packed with care. They are best transported in carry-on luggage. These renowned lamps are widely available in Souq Waqif.
Spices and herbs
Spicy food is one of Qatar’s most recognizable characteristics, so be sure to pick up some spices as a memento. They make excellent gifts and will enable you to prepare traditional Qatari cuisine at home.
When searching for a place to buy spices, it is essential to examine a variety of criteria. The pricing, the quality, and the freshness of the spices are all essential. Qatar has a long history of spice trading, thus it is an excellent site to find spices.
A few considerations must be made when purchasing spices in Qatar. First, the importance of spice quality cannot be overstated. Ensure you seek out fresh, high-quality spices. The cost of the spices is also significant. Qatar is a country rich in spices, hence the costs are typically very reasonable. Finally, be sure to inquire with others about the finest places to purchase spices. With these considerations in mind, it should be possible to locate the finest spices in Qatar.
Sand-filled glass art
Several things come to mind when considering Qatar: opulence, culture, and, of course, sand. Qatar is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches, so it comes as no surprise that its sand is also among the world’s most beautiful.
But what if the sand could be transformed into something even more beautiful? This is what artists from Qatar do with their sand-filled glass creations.
The elaborate motifs are carved into pieces of glass, which are then filled with sand from Qatar’s beaches. The result is a breathtaking work of art that embodies the spirit of Qatar. Moreover, each piece is one-of-a-kind, much like the nation itself.
Qatari Pearls
Qatar is home to some of the best pearls in the world, so it would be a pity to leave without purchasing a couple! They are available in most jewelry stores.
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