Souq Waqif is the oldest known souqs in Qatar. Originally a weekend market that was used by merchants to sell their goods like Wool, Milk , Meat , woven Handicrafts and other natural produce. It was later demolished and rebuilt without losing the ethnicity of the place. It was as a means to preserve the tradition and heritage of Qatar.
The Shakespearean term ‘Perfumes of Arabia..’ would hold good as you move through the narrow pathway and witness the innumerable shops selling perfumes of varying scents in attractive bottles. The Incenses stick or rather balls of Incense that are traditionally burnt in ceramic or wooden burners. Bokhur, Oud and natural essence oils like sandalwood oil, rose oil and Jasmin oil etc also finds its place in the shelfs of these traditional souqs.
The souq can be explained in a single sentence as “a treat to you senses ”.Each part of the Souq would enlighten you with a specific aroma that signifies the merchandise sold there. At one point it would be the fragrance of the perfumes and aromatic oil and incense burners. Then it is the aroma of the herbs and spices that arranged beautifully in front of the shops. The shops being very small in size, most of the merchandise finds its place on the narrow alleys and pathways this you get a clear glimpse of items without actually entering the shops. The aroma of freshly ground coffee is sure to pull you towards it as many shope here sells coffee beans and freshly ground coffee.
The next best thing on the souq is the traditional fabrics of Qatari men and Women. The splendid beauty of the fabrics that are heavily embroidered or designed be it the head scarfs or shaylas and bhuknoqs or be it Abhayas ,the long black dress worn by the Qatari ladies with contrasting embroideries. There are also clothes from other countries sold here.
The souq also sells a variety of other merchandise like woven materials, Cooking utentsils from small lovely coffee pots to the huge containers used for large scale cooking, mostly aluminium. There are also shops selling plants, pets, bags, shoes, chappals , cutleries, beds, blankets, tools and a lot many other day to day items. A few Jewellary shops are also found at the souq. There are also lot many notable Restaurants with varied cusines in the Souqs
