Ramadan Nights Revive Souq Waqif... Active Sales and Crowded Cafés

SadaNews - Souq Waqif continues to be one of the most vibrant destinations in the heart of the Qatari capital, Doha, attracting large numbers of visitors and shoppers daily, including citizens, residents, and tourists, in a scene that combines bustling commercial activity with the traditional atmosphere that characterizes this historical landmark.

As the last days of Ramadan approach and preparations for Eid al-Fitr commence, the corridors and squares of the market appear lively, with families spread across the shops showcasing a variety of goods, including spices, nuts, perfumes, clothing, and gifts, while the cafés and restaurants surrounding the squares see a noticeable turnout from visitors wishing to spend unique Ramadan moments amidst a heritage atmosphere that blends the essence of the past with the vibrancy of the present.

This continuous activity reflects the status of Souq Waqif not only as a traditional market for commerce but as a social, cultural, and tourist destination where visitors come to enjoy the Ramadan atmosphere and stroll through its historical alleys and interact with the daily life in the heart of Doha.

Normal Sales Activity

In one of the ancient alleys of Souq Waqif, Hamid, a Pakistani vendor at Al-Mukhtar, one of the most famous shops in the market, stands behind bags of spices and nuts arranged meticulously, observing the constant influx of customers, who come to purchase their personal needs for Ramadan while also preparing for Eid al-Fitr. This scene reflects the stability of commercial activity in the market and the continued flow of shoppers in a natural manner.

Hamid did not feel any decline in sales activity over the past few days, despite the regional tensions casting shadows over the area. He confirmed to Al Jazeera Net that the market experiences active movement, especially during the evening hours after Iftar and late into the night, as shoppers flock to the place for both strolling and shopping.

Spices and nuts remain among the most sought-after goods during this time of year, as many families purchase them for use in preparing traditional Ramadan dishes and sweets served on Iftar and Suhoor tables.

Demand gradually increases as the end of the blessed month approaches, with families beginning to prepare holiday necessities, especially nuts that are integral to making homemade sweets and offering hospitality to visitors.

Hamid indicates that the daily scene inside the market reflects a state of stability in buying and selling, as supply operations continue regularly, and goods remain available in sufficient quantities to meet demand, providing shoppers with a sense of reassurance during their shopping experience.

Social and Touristic Destination

Jamal Al-Rafei, a supervisor at a restaurant in Souq Waqif, told Al Jazeera Net that the restaurant is experiencing good turnout from visitors during the nights of Ramadan.

He explains that the activity noticeably increases after Iftar until late at night, as many families and groups of friends frequent the restaurants and cafés in Souq Waqif to enjoy unique Ramadan moments, adding that the turnout is significant and there are waiting periods for customers until a table becomes available.

Souq Waqif remains a preferred destination for many visitors during the holy month due to its rich diversity of restaurants and cafés offering dishes from a variety of Arab and international cuisines, alongside outdoor seating that allows visitors to enjoy the historic ambiance of the market.

Al-Rafei confirms that the turnout is not limited to residents of Doha but also includes tourists and visitors to the country who are keen to visit the market during Ramadan and experience its special atmosphere, emphasizing that visitor activity in the restaurant is proceeding normally.

He notes that the Ramadan nights at Souq Waqif remain among the most vibrant periods of the year, with gatherings and events extending late into the night, reflecting the energy of the place and its status as one of the most prominent social and touristic destinations in Doha.

Regular Shopping and Leisure Activities

For his part, Souq Waqif's manager, Mohamed Al-Salem, stated in exclusive remarks to Al Jazeera Net that the conditions within the market are proceeding completely normally, confirming that the market has not been closed at any time since recent regional tensions began, and that daily activities are continuing as usual without any disruption.

The buying, selling, and leisure activities continue normally, with the market witnessing a turnout from visitors and shoppers, whether they are citizens, residents, or tourists.

The general atmosphere inside the market appears calm and organized, with cafés and restaurants continuing to operate normally, while some restaurants offer Iftar meals as part of special menus prepared for this occasion, which visitors appreciate who wish to have Iftar inside the market.

Al-Salem confirmed that the levels of turnout reflect a usual crowd similar to what happens during this time each year, especially since Souq Waqif is one of the key touristic and recreational destinations in the country.

He added that the shops operate according to their usual hours, with some remaining open until 1 PM and then reopening after Iftar, while others open from the morning until Suhoor, noting that all commercial activities continue without significant changes.

Al-Salem emphasized that the market management is continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure that activities continue normally and provide a safe and comfortable environment for visitors and shoppers.

Heritage Atmosphere

Al Jazeera Net met one of the market’s patrons, Saad Al-Badr, who confirmed that the place remains one of his and his family's favorite destinations during Ramadan, due to its heritage atmosphere and social spirit that combine shopping and strolling in one place, explaining that recent events have not impacted the activities of many who are used to visiting the market regularly.

Al-Badr clarified that visiting the market on Ramadan nights is one of the most widespread customs among many families, who frequent it to wander among its various shops and purchase some necessities, as well as sit in the cafés and restaurants scattered throughout its squares.

He added that the market is witnessing active movement from visitors during these days, whether they are citizens, residents, or tourists, reflecting its status as one of the most prominent heritage landmarks in Doha, noting that the Ramadan atmosphere there gives visitors a special feeling that combines the fragrance of heritage with a vibrant social life.

Source: Al Jazeera