What to Bring from Qatar: Souvenirs, Gifts and Smart Buys in Doha

Qatar is not a country of generic fridge magnets. The real buys here are oud-based perfumery, spices, pearls, dates and traditional Arabic homeware. The best place to shop is Souq Waqif in central Doha, where roughly 80% of everything worth buying is concentrated. Prices in Qatar are in Qatari Riyals (QAR), but converted to USD throughout this guide for convenience.

Key points:

• Souq Waqif is the main souvenir market with the widest selection and fair prices
• Qatar has no VAT – all prices are final, there is no Tax Free system
• Bargaining is acceptable at souqs, but sellers typically offer 10–20% off at most
• Gold Souq is located next to Souq Waqif – a dedicated area for jewelry
• Duty Free at Hamad International Airport (Doha) operates 24/7 but has a smaller souvenir range and higher prices
• Saffron sold at the market is Iranian, not Qatari – it does not grow in Qatar, but is widely available
• Cash is preferred at market stalls, though larger shops accept cards

Oud (agarwood) is the signature scent of the Persian Gulf. You can buy it in three formats: wood chips for burning (from 5 $), concentrated oil (from 15 $) and ready-made oud-based perfume (from 20 $). The price ceiling is virtually non-existent – collector oils can cost hundreds per bottle.

Bakhoor consists of incense sticks or resin-soaked wood bricks. Basic sets cost 3–8 $, premium varieties 15–40 $. Consider buying a mabkhara (incense burner) to go with it – from 10 $ for a simple ceramic one to 50–100 $ for an ornate brass piece.

At Souq Waqif, perfume shops are concentrated in the western section. Before buying bakhoor, ask the seller to burn a test sample – synthetic imitations reveal themselves with a sharp chemical smell after 30–60 seconds.

The spice section at Souq Waqif is one of the market's most photogenic areas. Cardamom, saffron, turmeric, za'atar (a Middle Eastern blend with thyme and sumac), ground pepper – all packaged or sold by weight. Standard price per 100 g of spices: 1–3 $. Saffron runs about 5 $ per gram.

Arabic coffee (qahwa) is roasted with cardamom and has a distinctive flavour unlike classic espresso. It is brewed in a dallah – a traditional coffee pot that doubles as a popular souvenir. Ground cardamom coffee: 3–8 $ per 250 g.

Arabic coffee beans contain high oil content and can clog electric grinder burrs quickly. Buy whole beans and grind manually, brewing in a cezve or traditional pot.

Herbal blends at the market look appealing, but not everything is tea. Some mixes are meant for decoration or room fragrance. Always ask the seller about the intended use before purchasing.

Qatar produces over 30 000 tonnes of dates annually, covering nearly 90% of domestic demand. The most prized local varieties are Khalas and Shishi – soft, caramel-flavoured and rich. Loose dates cost 3–5 $ per 500 g, while premium gift boxes range from 10–30 $.

Stuffed dates – filled with chocolate, nuts, coconut or marzipan – come in beautifully packaged boxes and make excellent gifts. At Souq Waqif, look for shops offering tastings to find the variety you like best.

Before the oil boom, Qatar's economy was built on pearl diving. Today, pearl jewelry is one of the most recognizable Qatari souvenirs. Earrings start from 15 $, necklaces from 30–50 $. Most pearls on the market are cultured, and sellers are upfront about it.

The Gold Souq near Souq Waqif sells gold with a government purity stamp. Prices are based on weight plus a craftsmanship fee. A popular custom souvenir is a pendant with your name in Arabic calligraphy – jewelers make them within a few hours, starting from around 50 $ depending on the metal and complexity.

When exporting gold and precious stones valued over 50 000 QAR (~13 700 $), you must complete a customs declaration form.

The dallah – an Arabic coffee pot with a distinctive long spout – is a national symbol of hospitality. Decorative brass and copper models sell for 10 $ (small) to 40–80 $ (large, engraved).

Wooden inlaid boxes are another classic. Sizes range from miniature ring boxes to large chests. Prices: 5–50 $. Boxes made from camel bone or mother-of-pearl cost more – 30–100 $.

Mabkhara (incense burners) are both functional and decorative. Simple ceramic models start at 5 $, metal ones with carving: 20–60 $.

Pashminas (cashmere wool scarves) cost less in Qatar than in Europe: from 5 $ for a basic one to 30–50 $ for quality cashmere. They are lightweight, fold compactly and work as a universal gift.

The market also sells rugs and woven textiles with Middle Eastern patterns. Small prayer mats cost 15–30 $, full-sized rugs from 100 $ upwards. For serious purchases, visit the Omani Souq, located away from tourist routes – it has a wider selection and lower prices.

Decorative shisha (hookah) pipes make striking oriental souvenirs. Souvenir models start at 20 $, working pieces of decent quality from 50 $. Pay attention to materials when buying – cheap versions are often mass-produced with flimsy fittings.

Moroccan-style lamps with coloured glass: from 10 $ for a table lamp to 30–50 $ for a hanging one. Decorative khanjar daggers: from 10 $ for tourist-grade to 50–100 $ for well-crafted pieces. Fridge magnets, keychains, camel figurines: from 3 $.

(Updated: February 2026)

(Updated: February 2026)

Payment in Doha is in Qatari Riyals (QAR), pegged to the dollar at 1 $ ≈ 3.64 QAR. Shopping malls and larger shops accept cards; market stalls often prefer cash. ATMs are available inside and around Souq Waqif.

The best time to shop is late evening, when the heat subsides and the market comes alive. On Fridays many shops open late due to midday prayers – plan visits after 3 PM. During Ramadan, schedules shift: the market is busiest after iftar (the evening meal breaking the fast).

Souq Waqif is not an aggressive bazaar – nobody grabs your arm or shouts to lure you in. The atmosphere is relaxed and sellers are low-pressure. Bargaining is accepted but without the drama – a 10–15% discount is the norm.

Qatar does not restrict the export of souvenirs for personal use. Key rules when departing from Doha:

Currency and valuables exceeding 50 000 QAR (~13 700 $) must be declared. Decorative daggers go in checked luggage only – they will not pass carry-on screening. Food items (dates, coffee, nuts) can be exported freely, but check your home country's import regulations. Duty Free alcohol is allowed for export, but quantities are regulated by the destination country.

When bringing purchases home, check your country's duty-free import allowance to avoid unexpected fees at customs.

• Souq Waqif in Doha – complete visitor guide, prices, food and how to get there
• Tax Free in Qatar: Is There a Tourist VAT Refund and How to Save on Shopping
• How Much a Trip to Qatar Costs
• What to Eat in Qatar
• Safety in Qatar: Rules, Cameras and Fines

1. What is the most popular souvenir from Qatar? Oud and bakhoor (Arabic incense) are the most recognizable gifts from the Persian Gulf. They are compact, lightweight and relatively affordable: a bakhoor set costs from 3 $, an oud-based perfume from 20 $. For a universal option, a box of stuffed dates runs 10–15 $.

2. Can you bargain at Souq Waqif? Yes, bargaining is acceptable, but Qatari sellers are not as flexible as in Egypt or Turkey. A realistic discount is 10–20% off the initial price. Haggling works best when buying multiple items from the same shop.

3. Is gold worth buying in Qatar? Yes, gold in Qatar is sold with a government quality stamp, and the craftsmanship markup is often lower than in Europe. Prices are based on metal weight plus a making charge. The main advantage is the absence of VAT.

4. What can you buy at Doha airport Duty Free? Hamad International Airport Duty Free operates 24/7. The range focuses on perfume, chocolate, gift-boxed dates and electronics. Souvenir prices are higher than at Souq Waqif, but it is a convenient last-minute option.

5. Are there any restrictions on exporting purchases from Qatar? No special restrictions apply to personal-use souvenirs. The only rule is that valuables and currency exceeding 50 000 QAR (~13 700 $) require a customs declaration. Pack decorative daggers in checked luggage, not carry-on.

Doha is a convenient place to pick up gifts with an Eastern flair. Souq Waqif covers 80% of your needs – from budget spices and magnets to perfumery and gold jewelry. Visit in the evening when it is cooler and livelier, and do not expect deep discounts when bargaining.

Qatar Customs – personal goods regulations

Marhaba Qatar – export and import regulations

Visit Qatar – official tourism portal

Doha Guides – prohibited import items