The best shopping experiences for female travellers in Qatar

To truly experience Qatar, a stop by its traditional market is mandatory; Souq Waqif is built on the ancient market site and remains one of the most authentic shopping destinations in the country. The colourful market hosts a wide variety of shops and stalls to satisfy every need: from traditional fabrics, artefacts, jewellery, spices and souvenirs to falcons and even Arabian horses. Souq Waqif is the heart of Doha; a truly fascinating place to explore.

Another reason to visit Souq Waqif is the Gold Souq located within it. This part of the market features hundreds of stores that sell authentic gold jewellery in stunning designs as well as silver, platinum or pearls in prices that are often subject to bargaining. One of the most unique pieces you can find at the Gold Souq, is a custom-made necklace with your name in Arabic calligraphy.

Villaggio Mall is the ultimate shopping destination in Qatar. It is the place to splurge on casual and high-end brands in a Venetian-style environment surrounded by water canals and gondolas! The impressive mall features under its glass dome, a plethora of luxury brands, fine-dining restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and a theme park.

As one of the largest mall in Qatar it deserves a visit if you love shopping. Doha Festival City is home to a plethora of popular international and local brands to choose from. What is more, it hosts the renowned luxury department store Harvey Nichols, making itself a mall-within-a-mall. Dine in one of the 100 restaurants or go on an entertainment spree in the three unique theme parks in the mall.

Offering the finest quality dates in Qatar and worldwide, you can find Qinwan in three boutiques around the country as well as at Hamad International Airport. The award-winning company offers dates of unparalleled quality, rich in protein and vitamins to sustain a healthy diet.

For a truly authentic local experience, head over to the Omani Souq, located behind the wholesale market. Along its small pathways, you will find everything from straw hats, spices, nuts, dates, perfumes, truffles, to clay pots, ceramics, flowers and other plants. What more to ask?