Exploring Doha: Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif has evolved since we arrived in Doha. Way back, it was once a weekend training area for the Bedouin. This means that it's only "active" 1-2 times a week. When we arrived last 2006,  it is already known as the market place ("souq") for almost everything - spices, fruits, fabrics, traditional incense, clothes and others. However, it used to be active only on weekend evenings as well. The shops in the souq are open during the day.

My first visit at Souq Waqif, July 2006; still under rehabilitation

Night Life at Souq Waqif, February 2011

During evening time, we used to smoke shisha (water pipe with flavoured tobacco) - also known as hubbly bubbly in one of the cafes at the entrance of Souq Waqif. During these sisha sessions, lots of conversations happened, friendships built and fond memories made.

Our hang out place in Doha during those cheesy days, 2006 -2008

This evening, we went there for an entirely different reason. Souq Waqif became THE tourist destination in Doha and the ultimate destination for families. We went to watch the circus and there are lots of shows going on all throughout the souq. Lots of tourists watching cultural presentations. To think that it is a weekday today, it is extremely crowded; a far cry from the the "way things were" for me. A far far cry from the place where we used to rant about the quietness and stillness of the area.

The Circus tent behind this crowd!

showing tonight and every night - and this is just one of the stage around the souq!

There are lots of progress all around Qatar; and Souq Waqif, being a mirror of Qatar culture and progress, reflects lots of changes and improvements in the span of four years (IS IT FOUR YEARS ALREADY?!) we've been here.

I experienced inconvenience in parking and going through crowds with kids, things we were so rottenly spoiled of not experiencing then. But that feeling of safety and security in the place is still there like it used to be. I still don't have the urge to tie my kids and my hand bag around me for the fear of being "kidnapped" or "snatched." It is a reflex action whenever we are outside Doha on vacation. One big thing to rave for about Doha.

Doha is still the safe and secure place I've known then. I hope that "Doha" feeling won't change.

We would be exploring Souq Waqif more. So stay tuned.