Description:
The souq comprises many narrow alleyways with streets that appear as mazes with no defined geometric pattern and are characteristic of Middle-Eastern markets (souq). It offers a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and seasonal delicacies to perfumes, jewellery, clothing and handicrafts. Traditional music, art and cultural shows add to the ambiance of this historic place.
It is also home to dozens of restaurants and Shisha Lounges. The area is very popular with locals and expats alike (especially on weekends) as it offers multiple dining options in the same location.
History: Souq Waqif was founded at least a century ago in the proximity of the dry river bed known as Wadi Musheireb. It was a gathering place where Beduins and locals would trade a variety of goods, primarily livestock. However with the boom in prosperity in the 1990s, the Souq fell in decline and in 2003, most of it was destroyed in a fire. This event initiated a restoration program by the government in 2006, with the purpose of preserving its architectural and historical identity. The first phase of restoration was funded by the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Buildings constructed after the 1950s were demolished whereas older structures were refurbished. The restoration was completed in 2008. Traditional heating methods are employed by utilizing wood and bamboo imported from various areas of Asia.
It is also home to dozens of restaurants and Shisha Lounges. The area is very popular with locals and expats alike (especially on weekends) as it offers multiple dining options in the same location.
Souq Waqif Art Centre
Is located close to the Fish Market. The Centre combines a selection of small and artistic shops with a number of exhibition rooms laid out around a long narrow courtyard. Outside the rooms lie sculptures and chests inlaid with turtle shell.
Pet area
There are pet stalls in Souq Waqif which sell a variety of domestic pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles and birds. The sub-par living conditions of the pets has been the subject of advocacy campaigns in recent years, with proponents arguing that the animals suffer from a lack of proper healthcare and exposure to adverse weather conditions. Some customers allege that stall owners falsify vaccination records.There is also a separate area in the Souq reserved for falcon handling. It sells not only falcons but also the needed accessories such as landing pads and GPS guidance systems for the birds. There is also a Falcon Hospital in the vicinity