Doha is a dream destination for those who love to shop thanks to its mix of sleek shopping centres, traditional markets and diverse range of entertainment choices. Some of the best shopping experiences in Doha are often unexpected gems you find as you wander the warrenlike souqs like the Bedouin nomads of centuries past.
Check out our guide on where to shop and what to buy in Doha. Shops stuffed in gold jewellery from floor to ceiling, fierce falcons for sale, a snow-coated indoor play park… these are just a few of the eye-catching discoveries to stumble upon while shopping in Qatar’s capital.
Souq Waqif
A stop at the Souq Waqif is a must when visiting Doha, with its labyrinth of market stalls brimming with textiles, jewellery, spices and local handicrafts. One of Qatar’s oldest markets, Souq Waqif was once a busy trading centre for the Bedouin who came here to trade camels and essential goods for their nomadic way of life.
It’s best to go to Souq Waqif early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the daytime heat. Make time to stop for a refreshing tea break before going for another round of discovery.
Doha Festival City
Doha Festival City is a large mall with hundreds of retail outlets, but its entertainment options are what really make it a must-see place. Families are sure to flock to the Angry Birds park with bumper cars, trampoline park, a go-kart track, ziplines, and heart-racing rides like the Angry Coaster and Raft Battle to enjoy.
Escape the desert heat on the indoor snow slide and snow-covered hills of Snow Dune. Entry fees include cold-weather gear rental. And if all that shopping and snow scrambling stirs up an appetite, Doha Festival City has over 100 restaurants to choose from.
Souq Al Dira
The colourful Souq Al Deira offers high-quality fabrics, including lace, cashmere pashminas, and silk. Take some time to look around this large market. Prices aren’t fixed and haggling is expected here, so don’t jump in to buy something in haste.
The souq is known for having skilled tailors who can turn your fabric selections into a perfectly fitted dress, jacket or outfit. It’s a popular place for locals to get custom-made Abaya dresses and traditional Arabic clothing.
City Center Doha
City Center Doha is a handy shopping spot connected to 3 major hotels in Doha, including the Shangri-La Doha. Located in the busy West Bay business district, it has dozens of shops and restaurants to keep most people busy for hours on end. Ice skating, bowling, a kids’ play area and cinemas are also available at City Center Doha.
As one of Doha’s older malls, it may lack the cutting-edge style of some other shopping centres in the city, but it still draws a good crowd of eager shoppers.
Omani Souq
Omani Souq is a small market in Doha, but it’s worth a visit just to soak up its colourful tableau of spices, clay pots, perfumes, and baskets. Unlike some of Doha’s tourist-orientated markets, Omani Souq is mostly visited by locals in need of a household item or some fresh fruits and vegetables.
From the jumble of stalls, look for tasty Saudi dates and local honey, while those in need of refreshment could stop for a cup of Karak – a traditional Qatari tea.