Unquestionably, the Souq Waqif heritage market is the place to go for anyone who wants to experience Qatar as it was in the past. The traditional market has been enriched with several artworks, booths, and kiosks as football mania sweeps the nation with the World Cup just a few days away.
The flags of the 32 countries that have qualified for the biggest football tournament in the world are flown from nearly every shop in the portion of Souq Waqif dedicated to men’s and women’s products. Nearly everywhere you go, you can buy World Cup memorabilia, including shirts, scarves, shawls, flags, key chains, country flag sunglasses, wristbands, and caps.
The Peninsula talked to some retailers and they agreed that the football spirit is extremely evident as the final countdown for the quadrennial event started.
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Asif Mohammed who has been working in a souvenir shop for 16 years said their sales shoot up as more tourists are coming.
He said that among the most-selling items are jerseys and shawls.
Bin Omar who has been working for over a decade in a clothing shop along the alleyway said he can’t believe that the World Cup is few days away from happening. He said he started working in Souq Waqif the moment FIFA announced that Qatar will be the host for the World Cup in 2022.
“It’s unbelievable how time flew so fast – 10 years, and here we are now, Qatar is hosting the World Cup, tourists are coming nonstop, especially at nighttime.”
Omar also emphasised that selling World Cup-related items improved their sales. He said that strong sales are usually seen during the National Day in December and Eid. “It feels like our business is back to pre-COVID-19 years. The World Cup event definitely increased our sales.”
In an earlier announcement, Souq Waqif administration said that the stores at the traditional market are ready for the World Cup. “Souq Waqif stores provide all the fans’ needs, including kits, flags, and everything related to cheering for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” it said.
Various art installations are also in place in Souq Waqif including the newly installed goalpost “Freej” by Ghada Al Suwaidi. The goalpost’s two solid blue doors, which are framed by tumbling bougainvillea, are an homage to the entrances seen on many older Qatari homes, which kids were known to use as goalposts for impromptu neighbourhood football games.
Camel and falcon sculptures can also be seen around the traditional market which are Insta-worthy. Both animals play an important role in Qatar’s culture and heritage, The latter is the national bird of the country.
The leading tourist spot has also witnessed football fans cheering for their favourite countries including Portugal and Ghana.
Other attractions at the souq are Al Koot Fort, Camel and Horse Stables, Craft Centre, Souq Waqif Art Centre, Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, The Golden Thumb Statue, and Pigeon Square and Gardens.
