The Souq Waqif in Doha is currently under going the last stages of a re-structure, and is a good place to explore when tourists have a few minutes to spare.
In general the term souq refers to the commercial area of an Arab city. The term is used to demarcate the market in that particular Muslim city. In some instance it could also mean the weekly market that takes place in small towns, where the area is consider as neutral ground from any tribal clashes enabling the exchange of goods.

In terms of the Doha Souq Waqif, it has occupied this same site for many centuries. In times of old, Bedouins would bring their animals such as goats and sheep and even goods like wool to be exchanged for other essential commodities. Due to neglect it grew into a bare alleyway of concrete walls, but recently its potential to be a tourist attraction has been recognised and harnessed.

The developers have reconstructed the market to resemble a 19th century souq, with period style shops of timber beams and mud huts that add to its ambiance. Today the souq, is a gathering place for locals and tourists, becoming what it was in centuries past –an authentic market place in Doha.

To find authentic pieces of Qatari culture tourists need look no further than the Souq Waqif. The Qatari’s national dress could be found here with other ethnic bits of clothing such as the beautifully embroidered head coverings for girls called the Bukhnoq. A nice take home souvenir would be to buy a glass jar and get the spice traders at the souq to fill it with varying layers of lovely smelling spices like turmeric, cumin, fenugreek and ginger.

To catch a breath and relieve those tired feet after wandering about the antique shops of the souq, the Eshairiq Coffehouse has an aromatic mint tea to do just the trick. If tourists don’t find it, the smell of its fragrant teas and coffees will definitely beckon them.

After exploring the Souq Waqif tourist will want to return to a Doha Hotel that has facilities to relieve those tensions. The Millenium Hotel Doha is one among many hotels offering facilities such as a swimming pool, and exotic menus. It is also just 5km from the Souq.