Shopping in the Souq Waqif

After a long but exciting day of museum visits, we stopped at Doha’s Souq Waqif. Located in the al Jasrah district of Doha, Souq Waqif is one of Qatar’s largest markets. Tragically destroyed in a fire in 2003, the souq was rehabilitated by the Qatari government; when we visited it was so solid and filled with life that it was easy to imagine it existing for hundreds of years. The souq was indeed built on an ancient market site, where centuries ago Bedouins would come to trade. Walking through the market’s stone alleyways in the cool night air, with the smell of cardamom everywhere, was truly a treat.

The Souq Waqif at night

Those of us on the trip who had studied Arabic were eager to take advantage of our first opportunity to speak with the locals. As we wandered in and out of shops I was thrilled to use Arabic for the first time outside of a classroom. My language was halting as I asked about the price of a scarf I was buying, but the shopkeepers were kind and equally as excited to learn that so many American students were studying Arabic. As we shopped we also got our first chance to use our rials, the Qatari currency. I loved the beautiful colors and artistic designs of national landmarks and wildlife, and made sure to bring a few home with me.

We played the tourist role for sure, picking up “Visit Qatar” keychains and souvenirs for our friends and family back home. The range of goods in the souq was truly impressive: at one end of an alley there was an incense shop, and at the other a store selling lawn mowers. It was a great example of how Qatari society seamlessly balances tradition with modernity.

A courtyard in the Souq