MORE MARKET MAYHEM…

NOT DONE WITH SOUQS YET? NOT TO WORRY, QATAR HAS A BUNDLE OF MARKETS TO SATISFY YOUR BARGAIN CRAVINGS. FROM ELECTRONICS TO GOLD, HERE IS THE LIST OF THE OTHER MUST-VISIT SOUQS IN THE AREA!

GOLD SOUQ
For a traditional piece of Qatari jewellery this is the place to go to! Windows are crammed full of necklaces, chains and bangles ready for sale or you can ask to have a custom created piece. Most of the gold sold in Qatar is 18 or 22 carat, and prices are usually negotiable. There are plenty of money exchange centres for visitors – and don’t forget to take your I.d. if you plan on buying.
Tip: Check out the alleyways behind the main shops, where you’ll find shops selling second-hand silver and gold jewellery, as well as copies of traditional Bedouin pieces.
GO: Located off Ali bin Abdullah St.

SOUQ AL AHMED
This two-leveled souq is the destination for those looking for fashion garments. Head over to the airconditioned building to check out the various shops selling clothing for men, women, and chil-dren, where you’ll find the best in traditional clothing with thobes and abayas galore.
Tip: There is a cloakroom on the ground floor for both men and women.
GO: Located at Souq Al Ahmed St.

SOUQ AL DIRA
A one-stop destination for everything fabric, this is the place to buy high-end luxury textiles. The attractive building, with its impressive chandeliers and fountain, is home to dozens of shops selling designer fabrics, lace, pure silk and more; not a place for those on a budget.
Tip: The area is known to be full of tailors, perfect for that just-bought fabric!
GO: Located at Souq Al Ahmed St.

SOUQ AL ASIERY
Selling everything from perfumes to suitcases tandclothes, Souq Al Asiery is synonymous with be-ing the place to land yourself a bargain. With numerous textile shops, if you’re looking for cheap fabrics, you’ll definitely find some here, with prices starting from just QR3 a metre!
Tip: If you like what you see, buy it! The chances of it being snapped up by another shopper are highly likely.
GO: Located at Souq Al Ahmed St.

SOUQ NASSER BIN SAIF
Known for its outdoor staircase, the stores here sell electrical goods, CDs and audiotapes alongside children’s toys and ready-made clothing. Whether you need something fixed or want to replace your lost your mobile charger, chances are you’ll find what you need here.
Tip: Most shops will offer the exact same products so if you’ve got the patience, do shop around for the best deal.
GO: Located Between Souq Faleh & Souq Al Asiery

SOUQ FALEH
Right off Grand Hamad Street is the place to go to for crazy and random knick knacks at dirt-cheap prices. Pick up a teapot, metal cookware, ladies purse or any sort of other trinket for great prices.
Tip: There are no rules here except to go all out and find yourself some real gems.
GO: Located off Al Ahmed St.

OMANI SOUQ
Located just behind the Salwa Central Market, the Omani Souq sells a variety of merchandise some of which include incense, plants, pottery, camel sticks, nuts, perfumes, Omani dried fish, Iranian honey, lemons and lots more, all products imported from Doha. The weekends at this souq are crazy, so if you want to have a leisure experience, head there on a weekday. The predominant items in the Omani Souq are flowers and other leafy plants, ranging from daisies, to hydrangeas, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, pansies, and the odd bonsai tree. Feel Oman in Doha at the Omani Souq, that’s what we have to say!
Tip: Weekends are extra buzzing so if you’re headed there on Friday or Saturday, be prepared!
GO: Located behind Salwa Central Market.

OTHER PLACES TO CHECK OUT IN SOUQ WAQIF:

Souq Waqif Art Centre:
THE place to go and wander if you’re an art enthusiast looking to buy straight from the artist or for simple pleasures of viewing some of the best local talent.

Majlis Al Dama:
Here Qatari men gather together to play Dama, the traditional board game of the region.

Shay we Raqaq:
Stop by for a quick spot of karak tea, Doha’s favourite drink.

Qatar German Veterinary Clinic:
If your pet needs a quick check up, this is the place to go. Call 6633 9458 for more info.

Gulf Colours:
Pick postcards with pictures of old Doha to mail back home.