Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif, also known as "The Standing Market," is a traditional marketplace located in the district of Al Souq in the center of Doha, Qatar. The souq sells a variety of items including traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It also houses restaurants, shisha lounges, and pet stalls that offer domestic pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and birds.

The original building dates back to the late 19th to early 20th centuries, featuring traditional Qatari architectural style. It underwent a restoration in 2006 and was fully restored by 2008. The souq has a rich history, originally founded near the dry river bed known as Wadi Musheireb, where Bedouins and locals would gather for trading livestock goods. However, the souq fell into decline in the 1990s and suffered significant damage in a fire in 2003. In response, the government initiated a restoration program to preserve its historical and architectural identity, funded by the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

One of the attractions of Souq Waqif is the yearly spring festival featuring theatricals, acrobatics, musical performances, and even an event called Souq Waqif Storm, featuring WWE wrestlers. The souq is also known for its pet stalls, but concerns have been raised about the subpar living conditions of the animals and the alleged falsification of vaccination records by some stall owners. Additionally, there is a separate area within the souq reserved for falcon handling, known as the falcon souq, where falcons and related accessories are sold. Overall, Souq Waqif is a vibrant and historically significant marketplace with a mix of traditional and modern attractions.