Since ancient times, traders and merchants have congregated in traditional markets to provide for the daily needs of the local community.

These souqs are still very much part of modern life in Qatar. Some specialize in a particular product area, such as fish or fruit, vegetables and spices. Others cover a vast and varied range of different items though, even here, certain areas of the market are often devoted to groups of adjacent shops all selling related products, such as clothing and fabric, gold and jewellery, spices or kitchen wares.

As noted elsewhere Doha’s central market, Souq Waqif, with its maze of alleyways and unique architecture and ambience, ranks as a major visitor attraction in its own right. But it is a great place for the dedicated shopper too, ideal for finding presents, souvenirs and regional specialties.

Popular purchases include: carpets, rugs and textiles; Bedouin weaving; Arabic coffee pots; antique silver; incense burners; prayer beads; inlaid jewellery boxes; miniature dhows; brass items; and regional art and handicrafts. The market – as well as the nearby specialist gold souq – is also an excellent source of great value jewellery, precious metals and stones.

Outside Doha, the port city of Al Wakra lying just to the north of the capital has its own thriving market – Souq Waqif Al Wakra.

In contrast to the atmosphere and bustle of the souqs with their multiple small shops, there are many large stand-alone retail outlets and showrooms lining the streets of Doha’s main shopping districts, as well as a fine array of large and small malls offering visitors a total shopping experience in air-conditioned indoor comfort.

The latter feature department stores, brand name boutiques and individual shops offering an immense range of both regional and international products. Facilities usually include under-cover parking, banks, supermarkets, coffee shops, food outlets and entertainment activities, such as cinemas, ten-pin bowling and ice skating. Most malls also offer complimentary high speed WiFi, a concierge service for families with children and play areas for youngsters.

Here’s a list of the biggest malls in Qatar:

Al Hazm: www.alhazm.com
City Center: www.citycenterdoha.com
Villaggio Mall: www.villaggioqatar.com
Hyatt Plaza: www.hyattplaza.com
Doha Festival City: www.dohafestivalcity.com
Mall Of Qatar: www.mallofqatar.com.qa
The Gate: www.thegatemall.com
Landmark: www.landmarkdoha.com
Ezdan Mall: www.ezdanmall.qa
Gulf Mall: www.gulfmalldoha.com
Lagoona Mall: www.lagoonamall.com
Tawar Mall: www.tawarmall.qa
Al Khor Mall: www.alkhormall.com
Dar Al Salam: www.daralsalammall.com
Royal Plaza: www.royalplazadoha.com
The Mall: www.themalldoha.com
Mirqab Mall: www.mirqabmall.com
B Squaremall: www.bsquaremall.com