Tucked alongside the tranquil Wadi Musheireb and framed against Doha’s sleek modern skyline, Souq Waqif stands as a vibrant emblem of Qatar’s rich trading heritage. This historic marketplace, with its iconic mud-brick architecture and lively streets, invites visitors into a world where time-honored traditions meet bustling contemporary life. Here are twelve compelling reasons why Souq Waqif should be at the top of any traveler's Doha itinerary.

Explore the Glittering Gold Souq

Step into a dazzling world of craftsmanship in the Gold Souq, where sparkling necklaces, rings, and exquisite headpieces are lovingly created by skilled artisans. Whether looking for a statement piece or a subtle treasure, the Souq promises gold jewelry for every taste and budget.

Discover the Art of Falconry

Falconry is much more than a sport in Qatar it’s a treasured cultural legacy. At the Falcon Souq, visitors can meet these majestic birds up close, learn about their care and training, and understand their symbolic significance in Qatari tradition.

Say Hello to Camels and Arabian Horses

Visit the camel pen to see these gentle desert animals’ playful personalities firsthand. Meanwhile, the nearby Emiri Stables showcase elegant Arabian horses, often seen patrolling the Souq’s winding lanes, adding a living layer of heritage to the atmosphere.

Shop Unique Handicrafts

Venture through Souq Waqif’s labyrinthine alleys and discover a rich array of handcrafted goods—from intricately embroidered textiles and traditional footwear to antique artifacts and musical instruments like the oud, resonating with local history.

Immerse Yourself in Local Artistry

The Souq Waqif Art Centre is a hub for artistic expression. Witness craftsmen working on vibrant wood carvings, hand-painted tiles, and beautiful lanterns. Visitors can also join hands-on workshops to create original pieces imbued with Qatari spirit.

Follow the Exotic Spice Trail

The air in the spice section is perfumed with scents of saffron, za’atar, sumac, and dried black lemons. Engage with knowledgeable shopkeepers who eagerly share stories and guidance on selecting the perfect spices to spice up your kitchen.

Step Into Qatar’s Pearling Past

Pearl shops here serve as windows into a bygone era when pearling was Qatar’s economic lifeline. Former divers recount gripping tales of their underwater ventures while showcasing stunning pearls in hues of white, pink, and grey.

Discover Traditional Beauty Secrets

Souq Waqif offers a treasure trove of local beauty products like oudh, musk, and argan oil. Skilled henna artists provide intricate tattoos, allowing visitors to wear a piece of Qatari cultural identity.

Savor Authentic Flavors

Culinary delights abound from lively street food stalls to refined restaurants. Taste local specialties such as savory samosas, stuffed vine leaves, and sweet delicacies like kunafa and baklava. And don’t miss the iconic karak tea, a warming spiced milk tea beloved by locals.

Experience Souq Life at Night

As twilight falls, the Souq becomes a social heart of the city. Relax with Arabic coffee or fresh fruit juice at roadside cafés, enjoy flavored shisha, or watch locals engrossed in backgammon games and live sports broadcasts.

Dine Like Royalty at Paris

Step inside Parisa, a restaurant that radiates grandeur with mesmerizing mirrorwork and antique glass lanterns. Its Persian cuisine blends rich spices and flavors, creating an unforgettable dining experience that feels truly regal.

Celebrate Culture With Live Performance

During the cooler months, the Souq bursts with energy from festivals featuring costume parades, vibrant street performances, and exhibitions celebrating Qatari heritage—especially during events like Shop Qatar and Eid.

Getting There

Souq Waqif is conveniently reachable by car, taxi including Uber and Karwa and directly by the Gold Line metro’s Souq Waqif station. Ample underground parking is also available for those driving.

Souq Waqif offers a captivating glimpse into Doha’s past and present a place where every corner holds a story, every scent sparks curiosity, and every encounter connects visitors with Qatari culture in the most authentic way .

DUBLIN: Aircraft leasing company Avolon has announced a sale-and-leaseback agreement covering up to seven Boeing 737-8200 aircraft with Indian airline Akasa Air.

Under the arrangement announced on August 14, 2026, Akasa Air will sell aircraft from its existing order book to Avolon and lease them back. The structure allows the airline to release capital for other business needs while continuing to operate the aircraft.

The Boeing 737-8200, also known as the 737-8-200, is the highest-density configuration of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 family. The aircraft is certified to accommodate as many as 210 passengers.

Akasa Air operates the aircraft with 197 seats in a single-class configuration. The Indian carrier currently has 17 Boeing 737-8200 aircraft in its fleet.

Akasa Air became the first airline in Asia to operate the 737-8200 in 2023. The latest transaction will allow the carrier to maintain operational use of the aircraft while strengthening its financial flexibility as it continues to expand.

Source: Aero time

PARIS: Cabin crew working for British low-cost airline EasyJet in France began a two-day strike on Saturday, demanding better working conditions and more predictable schedules.

The walkout was called by unions representing EasyJet’s France-based cabin crew after negotiations over employee schedules ended without an agreement, French broadcaster BFMTV reported.

Unions said unpredictable working patterns had placed significant physical and mental strain on employees. They are seeking changes aimed at improving working conditions for cabin crew.

The industrial action is expected to disrupt EasyJet operations across France, with around 100 flights scheduled for the weekend reportedly canceled as a result of the strike.

Reports put participation among EasyJet cabin crew in France at 68%, highlighting the scale of the labor action.

The strike is scheduled to continue for two days as unions press the airline for changes to scheduling practices and broader improvements to working conditions.

Source: Anadolu Ajansı

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi low-cost airline flynas has added a new Airbus A320neo to its fleet, supporting the carrier’s expansion strategy while introducing another aircraft equipped with its latest-generation cabin.

The latest delivery brings the flynas fleet to 68 Airbus aircraft, comprising 62 A320neo jets, two A330s and four A320ceo aircraft.

The aircraft is the second in the airline’s fleet to feature the new-generation cabin, which was introduced earlier this year. The cabin is designed to improve passenger comfort while supporting greater operational efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

The new seats, developed in partnership with Safran, include integrated smartphone and tablet holders, high-speed USB-A and USB-C charging ports with a 60-watt capacity, larger meal tables, dedicated storage for books and magazines, and coat hooks.

Premium-class seats also feature additional legroom, adjustable headrests and a center-seat divider aimed at providing greater comfort for passengers.

The A320neo’s improved fuel efficiency compared with previous-generation aircraft is expected to reduce fuel consumption and operational emissions per seat. The addition therefore supports flynas’ wider sustainability program alongside its fleet growth plans.

The latest aircraft also reflects the airline’s efforts to enhance the onboard experience as it expands its network and responds to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia.

Source: QCAA

DUBAI: Air Arabia reported a 51% decline in first-half net profit to AED 374 million ($102 million), as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest low-cost airline faced significant operational and cost pressures from the ongoing regional conflict.

For the six months ended June 30, 2026, revenue fell 1% to AED 3.48 billion, compared with AED 3.52 billion during the same period last year.

The airline carried more than 8.7 million passengers across its operating hubs, a 14% year-on-year decline. Despite the reduction, its average seat load factor remained at 83%, indicating continued demand for its services despite disruptions to operations.

The impact was more pronounced in the second quarter. Net profit dropped 77% to AED 96 million, while revenue declined 3% to AED 1.68 billion. Passenger traffic fell 23% to more than 3.9 million, reflecting reduced capacity, while the average seat load factor stood at 81%.

Air Arabia said its performance was significantly affected by the regional conflict, which began in February and disrupted aviation operations throughout the remainder of the first half.

Multiple airspace closures, temporary operational restrictions and reduced capacity affected the airline’s network, while record-high fuel prices added to operating costs.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said the airline’s ability to remain profitable despite the disruption demonstrated the resilience of its business model and financial position.

He said the carrier focused on preserving network connectivity, adapting operations to changing conditions and maintaining strict cost controls while protecting operational efficiency.

Despite the difficult operating environment, Air Arabia continued expanding its fleet and network during the first half of the year.

The airline added six aircraft, bringing its fleet to 96 owned and leased Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. It also introduced five new routes across its hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan.

In June, Air Arabia was named “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline in the MENA Region 2026” by World Finance Magazine as part of its annual Sustainability Awards Programme.

Sheikh Abdullah said the airline remained confident in its underlying business strength as market conditions improve. He added that Air Arabia would continue focusing on responsible network expansion, financial discipline and its value-focused offering while seeking to create sustainable long-term value for stakeholders.

Source: TradeArabia

Turkish Airlines will expand its network in mainland China with the launch of scheduled flights to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, from November 11, 2026.

Chengdu will become the airline’s fourth destination in mainland China after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The new service will provide a direct link between the Chinese city, Türkiye and Turkish Airlines’ wider international network.

With a population of more than 21 million, Chengdu is one of China’s major metropolitan centers and an important hub for trade, logistics and finance. The city is also home to multinational companies operating in sectors including electronics, automotive, aviation, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

The city has also gained global recognition for its culinary culture. UNESCO has designated Chengdu a “City of Gastronomy,” while attractions such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding draw millions of visitors each year.

Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmuştur said China remains an important strategic market for the carrier and that the Chengdu service would further strengthen its presence in the country.

He said the new route is expected to support stronger commercial, cultural and tourism connections between Türkiye and China.

Turkish Airlines will operate three weekly flights from Istanbul to Chengdu on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return services will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights will serve Chengdu Tianfu International Airport using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Each aircraft will offer 300 seats, comprising 30 Business Class and 270 Economy Class seats.

To mark the route launch, Turkish Airlines is offering promotional fares starting at $540 for Economy Class and $1,991 for Business Class for travel between Istanbul and Chengdu. The airline said fares are available through its official website and may vary at sales offices and travel agencies.

Source: TradeArabia