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Everybody loves
shopping; well if we're being specific, everybody loves receiving
things. So you'll probably want to get more 'things' for your Riyals
right? Good news is that Qatar has NO taxes. Yep, the country's tax
free. You'll be able to get amazingly cheap prices. Qatar is
cheaper than most countries and can even be cheaper than some DUTY
FREE areas too!
One of the best things that we like about Qatar is that they get the
latest mobile phones and tech whilst being the cheapest in the
region.
Yes yes, cheaper than Dubai.
People always ask us the same question, where do you shop?
Well there are three main shopping styles, Traditional, Street, and Malls (Shopping Centres).
The whole of Doha has places to shop around in but sometimes we need a bit of guidance. You'll
find what you want whenever you want it. We've also included a few tips on how to get the best
bargains here!
EVERYTHING is listed in the guide with additional details
(INCLUDING A MAP) Guide was created by DAGOC.
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Name:
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King
Koil |
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Type: |
Mattresses / Furniture |
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Location: |
Salwa Road |
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Telephone: |
+974 468 6814 |
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Promo: |
Mention iloveqatar.net for a discount. |
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How to get a
discount: Here's my tip on getting a discount. Make sure you
appear strong but kind. Ask the seller his or her name,
smile, make a joke if you can. If you're going to buy in
bulk, first decide how many you want, then don't mention how
many you want in one go. Start slow. Ask "How much will I
get if I buy 2? ok 4? ok 8?" That will help you squeeze a
bit more! |
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SUGGESTION:
If you're buying something that has a warranty and don't
need it or what a cheaper deal, you can get an
additional discount if you say you don't want the
warranty. You could save up to QR500! |
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TIP:
Don't be afraid to shop around! You'll find that some
stores can be A LOT cheaper than others! |
TRADITIONAL SHOPPING
Traditional Shopping
areas are called Souks. You can get clothes, materials, spices,
'cheap electronics', carpets, gold, traditional perfumes,
leatherwork and much more. Remember though, BARGAINING is essential,
but don't get too greedy with your bargaining or you might end up
with nothing. For tourists, it's great to visit because alot of the
traditional souks are close to each other!
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Souq Waqif |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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This is an amazing traditional style market,
but don't worry, everywhere has state of the
art air conditioning so you wont burn under
the sun! Souq Waqif stands for 'the standing
market'. It's a great place to buy all
things traditional. One of Qatar's
traditions is falconry, so why not go and
check out the falcons over there? You'll
find men and women who can also do custom
weaving, drawing or sculpting for you!
Even better, you can try the traditional
snacks and food available! I love the
roasted nuts they have in different
flavours. They also sell specially mixed
honey which has aphrodisiac qualities!
Location: Grand Hamad Avenue, Doha, Qatar
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Gold Souq |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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The Gold Souq is crammed
full of necklaces, chains and bangles, and
their showcases display piles of charms,
pendants, earrings and rings. Most of the
gold sold in Qatar is 18 or 22 carat,
characterised by its deep yellow colour.
Some items are made locally while others may
be imported from such places as India and
Europe, particularly Italy. Oh if you're
worried about the quality, don't worry, all
gold is checked and hallmarked by the
Ministry of Economy and Commerce so you can
be sure your purchase is genuine.
If you're visiting the area,
you should take a look at traditional Qatari
bridal jewellery such as gold belts,
beautiful small gold caps and chest length
necklaces with decorated chains!
Location: Behind Al Ahmed Street, next to
Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar |
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Souq Al Ahmed |
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The
whole complex, with closed overhead bridges
that join sections on two sides of a road,
is air-conditioned and a fountain and
planters form a focal point on the ground
floor. There is a large shop near the main
entrance selling perfume and delicate
hand-blown glass perfume bottles from Egypt
and Iran. The lower level also has shops
selling chess sets and camels made of onyx,
clothing, accessories, linen, as well as
electrical and household goods. There are
several ladies tailors who specialise
in bridal and eveningwear with intricate
beadwork. A shop specialising in natural
honey has its entrance on the outside of the
building at the end closest to the Corniche.
Across
Grand Hamad from Souq Al Ahmad, you can turn
into Al Ahmed Street, which has several
souqs as well as numerous small independent
retailers, many of which are bargain outlets
advertising clothing, accessories and
miscellaneous items at fixed prices as low
as QAR2.
Location: Al Jabr Street, Doha, Qatar |
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Souq Al Jabor |
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Facing
you at the end of Al Ahmed Street is Souq Al
Jabor, which has entrances on Al Jabr Street
and Jabr bin Mohammed Street. The range of
products on sale includes footwear, baby
wear, clothing, lingerie, luggage, toys,
perfumes, gifts, audiocassettes and CDs.
Some shops sell attractive and inexpensive
costume jewellery.
Along
the road from Souq Al Jabor, and as Al
Tarbiya Street turns back towards Grand
Hamad Avenue, you will find an excellent
shop selling tailoring accessories,
everything from buttons, threads, beads,
sequins, lace, ribbons to artificial flowers
in just about every colour under the sun.
You will also find needles, scissors,
stiffening material, piping, wool for
rug-making, and even crystal tiaras for
brides and bridesmaids.
Location: Al Ahmed Street, Doha, Qatar |
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Other Souqs! |
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Theme |
Location |
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Souq Faleh |
Mixed Traders |
Left of Al Ahmed Street, Doha |
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Souq Nasser Bin Saif |
Electrical goods and Clothing |
Left of Al Ahmed Street, Doha |
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Doha Souq |
Tailors, Fabrics, and Women's Clothing |
Opposite of Souq Nasser, Doha |
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Souq Al Asiery |
Textiles, Beads and Embroidery |
Opposite of Souq Nasser, Doha |
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Souq Al Deira |
Amazing Fabrics imported from around the
world. |
Opposite of Souq Nasser, Doha |
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MODERN SHOPPING
All
shopping centers and shops have air conditioning. It's great to step
into a mall and enjoy the cool atmosphere inside while shopping for
what you like. Qatar imports from all over the world, so you'll find
all kinds of brands. You can find American, British, Chinese,
Japanese, Indian, French, Spanish and so much more!
Parking:
Parking is usually free within shopping malls, in some centers the
average price is QR2 which is quite cheap.
Food:
All shopping malls have Food Courts. These are large open spaces
where you can find a variety of restaurants.
Cinema:
Almost all of the malls have their own cinema. In the future I'll
place an icon guide which will show what's available.
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SUGGESTION:
Make sure you plan ahead! Qatar has 'family days' and
'women only' days. If you try to enter the mall,
security will not allow you on those selected times.
Call the mall to make sure! |
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City Centre |
Pictures available in photo section.. |
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The City Centre Mall
is one of the largest shopping malls in the
Middle East. The Carrefour inside the mall
is the best and largest grocery store in the
city. The mall has five levels with an ice
skating rink, a bowling alley, a water park,
and an amusement park with roller coasters.
This place has everything you could possibly
need. You can find traditional shops and
modern shops. It also has a very large food
court for when you're hungry. I recommend
visiting here for a while! Oh! It also has a
large gaming area to have fun in!
West Bay Area, Doha, Qatar
 (974)
441 7417
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Villagio Mall |
Pictures and Videos available. |
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The Villagio is designed to look like a
village. The ceiling looks like a sky, the
decor looks like you're walking outside, and
there is even a little 'river'. Over 220
outlets are within this mall so you know
you'll be able to take your time and shop
around. Very clean and very beautiful. There
is also a theme park to be built inside! The
mall is also very amazing because different
sections look like it's a different type of
day. So one section might be sunrise, one
section might be night (complete with street
lamps), and one section might be day!
This is the best mall I've ever been to in
my life (and I've travelled around the
world). I remember my father used to travel
to England and bring back some nice gifts,
now Qatar has almost all the stores England
does! It even has Boots and Virgin Megastore!
Al Waab Street (Al Aziziya Area), Doha, Qatar
(974)
413 5444 / (974) 487 5222 |
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The Mall |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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This is Qatar's first mall. I remember it
when it was just a tiny little shopping
area. However it has been extended several
times and is a good place to go and visit if
you want to watch a movie, have something to
eat, and drop off the children in a special
play area. It's basically a one stop
destination for the basics.
D Ring Road, Doha, Qatar
(974)
432 9700 |
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Landmark |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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The Landmark is probably the mall that
started the mall culture in Qatar. It's been
expanded twice already and is designed to
look like one of the old forts. The inside
is quite bright and spacious. There's the
usual play area, Virgin, Carrefour and other
brands. There's also a childrens area called
Circus Land.
Junction of North Road and Al Markhiya
Street, Doha, Qatar
(974)
487 52222 / (974)
488 1674
website |
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Al Asmakh Mall |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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"aka
Centrepoint" |
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Al Asmakh Mall is home to Centrepoint, which
brings the Landmark Group's stores: Splash,
Shoe Mart, City Lifestyle, and Babyshop,
under one roof. It also has a small food
court on the ground floor.
If you need to repair your watch or clock,
I'd recommend going here. It's a small
center, but useful none-the-less.
Jawaan Street, Doha, Qatar
(974)
413 1940 |
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Hyatt Plaza |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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The Hyatt Plaza is a great shopping centre. When you first visit it,
you'll be welcomed by a GIANT shopping
trolley! Although the mall itself is not as
large as the Villagio (which is next door),
it's still a nice place to visit. Parking
isn't that difficult with it's 1000 spots,
but on peak times traffic can build up.
The center is home to Daiso. I spoke to the
manager there who was very friendly! Daiso
is Japanese cheap store which sells lots of
Japanese products.
I'd say that this mall in general is
somewhere to go if you want to do some nice
shopping with the family.
Al Aziziya Area, Doha, Qatar
(974)
469 4848
website |
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Royal Plaza |
Pictures available in photo section. |
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This is the place to go if you want to
purchase some Jewellery or go to some upper
class stores. They also offer a personal
shopper experience where someone will help
you shop and take care of you. I suggest
coming here if you want to purchase some
luxury goods.
It's even labeled an 'high class mall'.
Al Sadd Street, Doha, Qatar
(974)
413 0000
website |
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Other Shopping Centers! |
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Name |
Telephone Number |
Location |
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Al Muftah Centre |
+974 444 6867 |
Al Sadd Street, Doha |
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Blue Salon |
+974 446 6111 |
C Ring Road, Doha |
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LuLu Centre |
+974 432 4324 |
Al Rayyan Road, Doha |
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East (Modern Home) |
+974 425 7777 |
Salwa Road, Doha |
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Salam Plaza |
+974 483 2050 |
West Bay Area, Doha |
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The Centre |
+974 444 0202 |
Salwa
Road (Ramada Junction), Doha |
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King Koil (recommended) |
+974 468 6814 |
Salwa
Road, Doha |
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