Shopping in Doha

Shopping is the number one pastime in Doha, and for most families – expat or local – a trip to the mall is an integral part of the weekend. The malls offer a mix of foreign and Arabic stores – Mothercare next to Starbucks next to a store selling Arabic furniture. The other main option is Souq Waqif, which offers a far pleasanter shopping experience (although without the air conditioning).

Markets

The souks in Doha are a long way from the Arabian Nights fantasies, with many of them quite slick air-conditioned affairs. The most appealing souks include the Gold Souk, off Grand Hamad Street and Souk Al-Jabor, Al Ahmed Street, which peddles leather goods.

In addition, there’s Souq Waqif, which has been the commercial heart of Doha for around 250 years. Although it was entirely rebuilt in the 1970’s, it still has the feel of a traditional souk, with a lattice of alleyways and streets that feed into a wide pedestrianised boulevard. Locals and tourists both come to buy spices and sweetmeats, intricately-decorated gowns, handmade shoes and jewellery. The northern end of the souk is lined on either side with restaurants offering different ethnic cuisines, from Iraqi to Persian, Lebanese and traditional Qatari. There are plenty of traditional cafes with outdoor seating, which offer fantastic people-watching potential over a cup of tea or glass of juice (no alcohol available).

Shopping centres

The Mall, D Ring Road, and the Landmark Mall, Al Shamala Road, are two of the most popular malls in Doha. Other malls to look out for include The Royal Plaza, Al Sadd Street, the Hyatt Plaza, Al Waab Road, and the Villagio Mall, Al Waab Street. You can find designer names at the Pearl-Qatar, Alfardan Centre, Grand Hamad Street, while City Centre Mall, C Ring Road, claims to be one of the biggest shopping malls in the region and easily swallows up a half day.

Opening hours

Malls in Doha tend to be open Saturday to Thursday 1000-2200 and Friday 1400-2200, while the souks keep more irregular hours.

Souvenirs

Pick up spices, bukhar (hand-carved incense burners), linens, jewellery and carpets.

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City Highlight: Doha

In Doha, going to the shopping malls is more than a hobby, it's a necessity. Read on to find out why.

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Featured Hotels

Meliã

Those who want to be in the mix will be more than happy with this Spanish-owned hotel. Guest rooms are contemporary and spacious, and the third-floor swimming pool offers a stylish spot to cool off and relax. The award-winning Signature restaurant by Sanjeev Kapoor is its best highlight. You can also try Aceite for cheery service and sangria on tap. This hotel offers guests special entrance fees for Katara Beach and Banana Island.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

This collection of nine buildings places you in the heart of Souq Waqif, offering a real taste of the Doha's historic side. The hotel has an alluring Arabesque style and boutique vibe and offers access to a range of facilities, including a luxury spa offering Arabic treatments (including a traditional hammam), eight restaurants and a rooftop pool. Other highlights include 11 room categories, valet parking and warm Qatari hospitality.

The Torch Doha

Part of the city's high-tech Aspire Zone, this 300m-high (984ft) tower designed to resemble a vast torch is the currently the tallest hotel in Qatar. Not originally built as a hotel, it offers excellent levels of in-room comfort and some genuinely impressive facilities nonetheless. Expect to rub shoulder with the likes of footballers on warm-weather trips and the Venice-themed Villaggio Mall is close by.

Warwick, Doha

This hotel is well located for accessing the sights of Downtown Doha, and has 164 classic Arabic designed rooms and suites, meeting rooms, a rooftop swimming pool and a 335 square metre spa which includes steam and fitness rooms. Their Wednesday BBQ nights and dining at L'auberge are particularly popular. Moon Deck, their Rooftop Grill, is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the city views.

Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

The self-styled 'Pyramid of the Gulf' boasts 353 rooms a large pool and a waterfront setting in the West Bay area of Doha. It opened way back in 1979 so has long been a Corniche landmark but in recent years has had a large-scale refurbishment and offer spacious rooms. The conference and incentive facilities are amongst the most impressive in Qatar.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski

A blend of Arabic and European architecture makes for an inviting stay at this chic hotel on The Pearl. It's so vast, guests could spend their whole holiday navigating its numerous restaurants and bars, luxury Clarins spa and beach. Guests will find all the frills in the way of butler and limousine services, if that's what they're looking for. It's also home to some eye-wateringly expensive suites.

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