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What brings tourists to Doha? Glitz and glamour? Yes, but there’s more to this city, rooted in its long-standing heritage. The shopping scene, for instance, is a blend of modernity and tradition.
Al Hazm
The name of this mall, Al Hazam, means ‘the higher grounds.’ Shopping here will definitely change your outlook on fashion and transform your personal style. Granted, you need a substantial budget to shop here, but if you think you can afford it, it will definitely be a worthwhile experience. And if you can’t afford to shop here, that’s okay too – window shopping is still a worthwhile experience.
The style, design, and architecture of this mall are astounding! The mall was inspired by the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Rest assured, you’ll find yourself taking plenty of pictures.
The mall also features various dining options, from Indian to Italian to French. The cultural centre is a must-visit too, where you’ll find a collection of books in both English and Arabic, plus plenty of cosy nooks for reading.
Al Hazam is open every day from 9 AM to 1 AM.
Souq Waqif
Full of life, Souq Waqif is a traditional marketplace in Doha. It’s not just shopping that draws people here; it’s the opportunity to shop in a setting reminiscent of the Bedouin era. The market offers a large variety of items, from spices and clothes to perfumes – everything that relates to Doha’s heritage.
The market is designed in the traditional Qatari style, with winding narrow streets and old buildings. What’s more, the market features many restaurants serving delicious Qatari fare, as well as European and Indian delights.
It’s an excellent place for an amble while taking in the real life of Doha. The market enjoys a convenient location too, with some of the best hotels in Qatar just a short distance away. Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli, for example, is about half an hour from the market.
Falcon Souq
To really get into the Qatari scene, visit the Falcon Souq, a place that’s entirely dedicated to falcons. Falcons are an inherent part of Qatari culture, so it’s no surprise that there’s a souq, especially for them. At the market, you can find everything related to falconry, from the birds themselves to accessories.
Falcons are highly valued in Qatar, and the market reflects their cultural and historical significance. What can you find here specifically? Falcons, of course, as well as hunting gear and hoods for falcons.
It’s an excellent place to learn about the traditional practice of falconry. The vendors will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you.
City Center Mall Doha
Another one of Doha’s top shopping destinations, City Centre Mall Doha is located in West Bay. There are about 250 stores selling all kinds of well-known brands, from Adidas and Bath & Body Works to H&M, Mango, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Want to fix up a quick dinner? You can also shop for groceries here. However, if you don’t want the bother of making dinner, pop into one of the restaurants inside the mall. From steaks and noodle dishes to all-you-can-eat buffets, you can treat yourself to a feast! There’s also a cinema screening of the latest movies.
The mall is open Saturday to Thursday from 10 AM to midnight, and Friday from 3 PM to 1 AM.
Doha Festival City
With over 500 shops, Doha Festival City is one of the largest malls in the city. You can easily spend an entire day here shopping or window shopping – there’s a lot to see.
Starting a new job in Qatar and want to set up your home? This is the best place to shop for home furnishings, with huge stores like IKEA, Home Centre, Pan Emirates, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. Want new clothes for work? The mall features various fashion brands like Next, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and Bershka. There are several department stores too.
The mall is so huge that there’s a good chance you’ll get lost, but don’t worry – you can download the digital map.
You can dine your way through the mall too and catch the latest movie at the cinema. Anything else? Yes, there’s an outdoor leisure trail perfect for cyclists and runners.
You can visit the mall from 10 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and until 11 PM on weekends.
Dragon Mart
Doha can be an expensive destination for shopping, but malls like Dragon Mart offer good bargains. You can find everything here, from shoes and clothes to cosmetics and homeware.
If you’ve just rented a flat in Doha and don’t have much to spare for homeware, Dragon Mart offers some unique finds to decorate your home with at affordable prices.
You can shop here all week from 9 AM to 6 PM, except on Fridays.