Times and trends may change, but there are some things that have a lasting appeal – such as spending time with family and friends at Souq Waqif during Ramadan.
Known as one of Qatar’s biggest tourist attractions, Souq Waqif in the heart of Doha attracts a large number of visitors with its old-world charm, Arab and Qatari heritage, cafes and culinary offerings, and shops selling various kinds of products.
Ramadan is a time when the elegant nights that one associates with the souq come alive with the spirit of the holy month.
During this period, Souq Waqif becomes a must-visit destination for many, especially Qataris, as they turn up in big numbers after the Taraweeh prayers to chat over a cup of coffee, check out the stores or simply walk down the lanes and alleys of the souq, discussing life and what it has to offer.
“Ramadan is the time to purify the soul and strengthen the relation with Almighty God,” said Jassim Abdurahman al-Mannai, who found a place with his friends in front of a coffee shop in the southern corridor of souq. “We fast during our days while getting engaged in prayers and reciting the Holy Qur’an.”“The evenings are for strengthening relations with our fellow beings,” he added. “We come here and meet while chatting and sharing Qahwa, the traditional Arabic coffee. The souq is a legacy that we keep intact by coming here.”
Decked up with lights, the shops at souq are arranged in an attractive way.
Visitors are greeted by an eclectic mix of fragrances – from perfumes to mouthwatering dishes and the unmissable scent of antiques displayed in the stores.
The cuisine on offer includes Qatari, Lebanese, Egyptian, Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, each with its unique appeal.
Nuts and sweets shops are also among the major attractions during Ramadan.And of course, there is shisha – which is offered at a number of cafes in the souq.
“Souq Waqif is an important destination during Ramadan nights as most of us abstain from going out during the days and spend the time in prayers and engaging in religious activities,” said Youssef Mousa Abu Halika, who runs a shop there. “Besides its elegance, the souq offers excellent services and reasonable prices. Everyone can enjoy a special Ramadan night here.”
He added that the souq is dear to all irrespective of age and nationality – the young and the old, Qataris and expatriates – everyone comes to the souq after the Taraweeh prayers.
Youngsters hang out until the time of Suhoor while elders find a place to sit to share some beautiful Ramadan moments and enjoy meals such as kebabs.
“Everything is available here at moderate prices,” al-Mannai said. “The souq beckons all. Expatriates and tourists have a good time here as the market is an ideal place for families to shop and for children to entertain. Ahead of Garangao, children flock to buy their favourite gifts and sweets.”
“This is a wonderful place. We come here regularly throughout the year,” said another visitor. “The place becomes even more charming during Ramadan and has a wonderful ambiance.”
The Ramadan nights also enable the merchants to do some brisk business as many tourists evince interest in their products.
