Souq Waqif - Part II

I wrote about Souq Waqif some time ago. I still think it is one of the best places to go for a stroll in Doha during good weather. Since the last time I wrote about the Souq, I have discovered the official web site for Souq Waqif.

I really like the black and white photos of the Souq on this site. They give you a good feel for the place. As you go through the photos, note:

• The local women do sit out on their rugs and work on their crafts; sometimes they even make some local food to sell.
• The bird you see is a falcon; falconry is still a popular local sport, and there is a man in the Souq who raises falcons.
  
• The men with the wheelbarrows are there to help you shop. You can hire them to go around the Souq with you, and load and push your purchases while you shop.

My only concern regarding the Souq is that the recent addition of international chain stores like Haagen Dazs, Coffee Bean, etc. is taking away from the traditional feel.

Souq Waqif

Souqs are the traditional markets in Arab cities. Here in Doha, there are several souqs, Souq Waqif being the largest and most famous. This used to be the old souq until it was demolished as part of the rebuilding/modernizing of the city. People, however, missed the old souq, so they re-built it to look just like the old one.

This souq has sections for clothing, arts & crafts, spices, toys, etc. There is also a section with restaurants and cafes. Weekend evenings are fun at the souq - this is when all the locals go there, hang out at the outdoor seatings of the restaurants, eat, smoke shisha, etc. It's the "happening" place.

I enjoy simply going there to walk around and explore the local/regional products. We found a terrific Yemeni honey place in the souq. The owner lets you try all the various types of honey when you go in. There is also an Indian restaurant there that we like.

To see more pictures of the souq, click here.