Souq Waqif, Traditional marketplace in Doha, Qatar.
Souq Waqif is a traditional marketplace in Doha, Qatar, featuring mud-daubed buildings and narrow lanes that spread across several interconnected blocks. The stalls and shops sell spices, textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts under covered walkways and open courtyards.
Bedouin traders gathered here over a century ago along the banks of Wadi Musheireb to exchange livestock and pearls. The structures were restored in the early 2000s using traditional building methods to preserve the original appearance.
Vendors call out their wares while visitors walk through narrow lanes between shops selling spices, perfumes, and handwoven carpets. The stalls offer coffee beans, dried fruits, and traditional clothing that locals purchase for special occasions.
The site opens daily from 10 in the morning, closes at midday for a few hours, and welcomes visitors again from 4 in the afternoon until late at night. Restaurants and cafes remain open longer, allowing you to stroll through the cooler lanes after sunset.
A dedicated section houses hunting falcons in specialized enclosures where trainers care for the birds and display their equipment. Visitors can observe the animals up close and learn how they are prepared for traditional falconry.
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