The labyrinthine Souq Waqif preserving Qatar’s history, culture

As Qatar World Cup 2022 approaches, many stores in the souq, especially the souvenir stores, are bracing themselves for an influx of tourists and, as a result, a healthy cashflow. [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Doha, Qatar – With Doha’s dramatic skyline in the background, Souq Waqif, located in the heart of the capital’s old downtown, is a vibrant, labyrinthine market which allows visitors to step back in time to a traditional Arab marketplace.

Hamalis (porters) roam through the narrow, winding alleys with their wheelbarrows, some carrying shoppers’ purchases, others looking for customers.