The Living Heart of Old Doha
Souq Waqif, which translates literally to "The Standing Market," represents the very soul of Qatari trade. For over 150 years, this site served as the vital hub where Bedouins arriving by camel and pearl divers arriving by sea met to trade essential goods.
- Pre-Oil Era: It was the primary marketplace for livestock, wool, and the world-renowned Qatari pearls.
- Restoration (2006): After a period of decline, a Royal Decree led to a 74,000sqm restoration project. Unlike modern malls, it was rebuilt using only traditional materials to preserve the 19th-century atmosphere.
