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Souq Waqif () is a marketplace (souq) in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The souq sells traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home to restaurants and Hookah lounge. The original building is a specimen of traditional Qatari architecture and dates back to the late 19th to early 20th centuries. It was renovated in 2006.
As of the 2020s, the area between the souq and the coast comprises a northern expansion of the market itself, Abdullah Bin Jassim Street, and Souq Waqif Park. The current distance from the northern edge of Souq Waqif to the coast is about . This space encompasses two major roadways: Abdullah Bin Jassim Street, a wide four-lane road with a 40 km/h speed limit, and Al Corniche Road, a wide eight-lane thoroughfare with an 80 km/h limit. These roads account for over 25% of the distance between the souq and the coast. While the physical distance is relatively short, pedestrian access is complicated by traffic infrastructure.
However, with the boom in prosperity in the 1990s, the souq fell into decline and in 2003, most of it was destroyed in a fire. This event initiated a restoration program by the government in 2006, with the purpose of preserving its architectural and historical identity. The first phase of restoration was funded by the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Buildings constructed after the 1950s were demolished whereas older structures were refurbished. The restoration was completed in 2008. (2025). 9781409470090, Ashgate. ISBN 9781409470090 Traditional heating methods are employed by utilizing wood and bamboo imported from various areas of Asia.
A yearly spring festival around April hosts many theatricals, acrobatics and musical performances. An event featuring WWE wrestlers, called Souq Waqif Storm, attracted the most spectators. There was discussion over the possibility of a repeat festival.
A sharp spike in tourism took place in Souq Waqif during football events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup. During the Asian Cup, Souq Waqif attracted many individuals from different backgrounds and nationalities, where they gathered with their countries flag and sang chants to show their support. The World Cup saw approximately double the number of visitors, with fans representing their country by bringing billboards and structures. During these events the number of tourists increased significantly, as it was the prime gathering place of fans, with celebrations running late into the night.
Alongside the boutique hotel, there are may shops around the Souq. There is a section for women, where we see them selling traditional women clothing, and they also sell perfumes and different strong Arabic smells, and jewellery shops where they sell Gold. Other than the women section the Souq has shops for men clothing, souvenirs, small supermarkets, and many family owned shops that sell traditional Qatari souvenirs. There is also many different restaurants that serve different cuisine, mostly Qatari and Middle Eastern.
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