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 .

The Council of Ministers Secretariat General has released the official working hours for government entities during the Holy Month of Ramadan 2026. Government employees will observe a five-hour workday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

To provide flexibility, employees may begin their workday as late as 10:00 AM, provided they complete the full five-hour schedule and fulfill all work responsibilities.

In addition, up to 30% of government staff are permitted to work remotely. Priority for remote work will be given to Qatari mothers and individuals with disabilities, while ensuring that the operational needs of each entity are met.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education will determine their own working hours and schedules based on specific operational requirements.

The Council also reminded private sector employees to coordinate with their respective human resources departments regarding Ramadan working arrangements.

This announcement aims to balance employee well-being during Ramadan with the continued delivery of public services across Qatar.

Visit Qatar has concluded the 2026 edition of Brouq, its signature desert experience, after attracting over 60,000 visitors throughout the winter season. The 77-day event, which ran until 10 February, drew 61,121 attendees, reaffirming its place as one of Qatar’s most popular open-air attractions during the cooler months.

Set against the scenic desert backdrop, Brouq 2026 offered a dynamic mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment. Among its main highlights, the Desert Escape Zone featured a 25-metre Adventure Tower, a new zipline experience, open-air dining venues, and an ongoing schedule of live performances. It was one of five new areas introduced this year to add more variety and excitement to the experience.

The Film City Zone brought local culture to life through falcon photo opportunities, henna art, traditional music, and storytelling sessions. Across the site, visitors could take part in more than 500 activities and workshops, many designed for families and younger audiences. Puppet shows, face painting, and caricature drawing helped create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for children.

This year’s edition also unveiled several new features, including the Sunset Lounge, Brouq Wildlife Reserve, Mini Safari Cars, and the Family Majlis, expanding the range of things to see and do. The activation was further supported by 24 food, beverage and retail vendors, making it a complete outing for families and groups.

Visit Qatar said Brouq continues to support the country’s tourism goals by enriching the local leisure offering, encouraging residents and visitors to explore more of Qatar, and adding momentum to the nation’s year-round events calendar.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) recently hosted a comprehensive technical workshop in collaboration with Jeppesen, the internationally recognized provider of aeronautical charting solutions.

This initiative was convened to address the recent amendments to ICAO Annex 14, which governs aerodrome design and operations, and Annex 15, covering Aeronautical Information Services, ensuring that Qatar’s aviation stakeholders remain fully informed of evolving international regulatory frameworks and best practices.

The session was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the implications of these regulatory updates for aerodrome infrastructure, aeronautical data dissemination, and the preparation of navigation material critical for safe and efficient flight operations.

By enhancing technical competencies, QCAA aims to support alignment with global standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and to reinforce Qatar’s commitment to maintaining world‑class aviation safety, efficiency, and compliance.

Representatives from key aviation entities—including the Air Navigation Department, Qatar Airways, and Hamad International Airport—actively engaged in the workshop, exchanging insights and practical perspectives on integrating the latest Annex requirements into their operational processes.

This collaborative forum also facilitated discussions on the practical application of updated aeronautical information services and charting procedures, which are essential for accurate flight planning and air traffic management.

The workshop underlines QCAA’s ongoing efforts to foster continuous professional development and strengthen coordination among national aviation stakeholders, thereby supporting Qatar’s broader objectives in aviation safety, regulatory excellence, and adherence to international civil aviation best practices.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has organized a comprehensive awareness and training workshop for inspectors specializing in travel and air cargo agencies under its Air Transport Department. The event, held from January 26 to 28, 2026, seeks to strengthen regulatory oversight within Qatar’s aviation and travel sectors while enhancing institutional efficiency in line with global standards.

The three-day program aims to deepen inspectors’ understanding of the newly enacted law governing travel and air cargo agencies, as well as its executive regulations. Participants are being introduced to updated procedures covering agency licensing, renewal processes, operational compliance, and inspection methodologies.

The agenda also includes discussions on monitoring mechanisms for ensuring adherence to national regulations and the proper licensing of international distribution system companies authorized to operate in Qatar.

In addition, the sessions address the technical and safety requirements related to the transport of dangerous goods, ensuring that operations across the sector remain fully aligned with the safety frameworks and best practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Through interactive presentations and case studies, the workshop highlights the vital role inspectors play in overseeing industry standards and enforcing compliance. The program also aims to enhance participants’ analytical and field inspection skills, enabling them to carry out their duties more effectively and contribute to raising the overall quality of regulatory performance across the aviation ecosystem.

This initiative forms part of the QCAA’s continuous professional development plan aimed at upgrading the competencies of its workforce and fostering a culture of excellence in regulatory practices. It also supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes human capital development and the advancement of skilled national professionals capable of driving sustainable growth in strategically important sectors such as civil aviation.

By investing in advanced training and awareness initiatives, the QCAA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and service quality within Qatar’s rapidly expanding aviation and travel industries.

Qatar’s booth at the New Delhi World Book Fair is seeing a record turnout as the country participates as the event’s Guest of Honor, highlighting growing interest in Qatari culture and its literary offerings.

According to Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, the pavilion showcases an overview of Qatar’s cultural landscape through a wide selection of ministry publications—many of them translated into Indian languages to introduce Qatari cultural production to local readers and strengthen cross-cultural exchange.

Beyond books, the Qatar pavilion features traditional folk crafts and an Arabic calligraphy exhibit, giving visitors a closer look at the aesthetics and heritage behind Qatar’s artistic traditions. The displays are designed to offer an interactive experience that reflects the authenticity and diversity of Qatari culture.

Qatar’s Guest-of-Honor program also includes cultural and intellectual panel discussions, while Qatari publishers are taking part in the fair’s publisher platform to meet Indian counterparts and explore cooperation in translation projects and copyright sharing.

Al Buainain added that appearances by Qatari folk troupes during the fair help revive traditional arts and engage audiences, reinforcing Qatar’s cultural presence and supporting culture’s role in building people-to-people connections.

The New Delhi World Book Fair runs until January 18, bringing together publishers and cultural institutions from around the world alongside a packed schedule of discussions and cultural programming.