Souq Al Wakrah
سوق الوكرة القديم
Traditional seaside souq with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants facing the beach.
Souq Al Wakrah is a seaside market that captures the soul of old Qatar. Narrow alleys hide artisan shops, spice stalls, and traditional coffee stands.
As the sun sets, the waterfront glows with lights and the aroma of grilled seafood fills the air.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy dinner, a stroll, and a bit of shopping without leaving the coast.
How to Get There
On foot from Al Wakrah center ~16-24 min.
From Doha by taxi ~24 min.
From Lusail by taxi ~47 min.
From DOH airport (Doha) by taxi/transfer ~17 min.
Description
What is this place
Souq Al Wakrah is a reconstructed seaside market and promenade in Al Wakrah, south of Doha. It runs along the beach, combining shops, cafés, fish stalls, and a hotel within heritage-style architecture.
Key features
- About 3 km of continuous waterfront promenade with direct beach access.
- Official opening in 2014 tied to Qatar National Day – the start of modern seafront renewal.
- A fish market with morning auctions – among the country’s oldest fish-trading spots.
- Replica dhow boats on the shore highlight the town’s maritime roots.
- On-site Souq Al Wakra Hotel by Tivoli (opened 2018) repurposes restored houses into a hotel.
What to see
- Restaurant-lined promenade along the sand.
- Fish stalls and the morning auction.
- Narrow “old village” alleys with a mosque, stables, and courtyards.
History
Al Wakrah began as a fishing and pearling settlement; coastal structures and markets grew around the gulf’s tidal flats. The current complex sits on the ruins of the old town, estimated to be over two centuries old.
A major milestone was the opening of Souq Al Wakrah in December 2014, with reconstructed quarters, a corniche, and beach access. In 2017 a public beach stretch opened by the souq, and in 2018 the Tivoli-run hotel added a hospitality anchor to the promenade.
Practical information
Location: Southeast Qatar, Al Wakrah; between Al Wakrah Port and the public beach promenade.
Getting there: 15–25 minutes by car from Doha; ~10 km from Hamad International Airport. Red Line metro to Al Wakra station, then 5–10 minutes by taxi.
Access: Promenade and beach are freely accessible; modest dress is expected. Fish auction runs in the mornings.
Visit hours: Shops and eateries are livelier in the evening; fish market operates in two shifts – morning and evening.
Time needed: 1–2 hours for a stroll and dinner; half a day with beach time.
Best time: October–April; in hot months, after 5 pm.
Notes: Parking lots line the promenade; swimwear required in designated bathing areas.
