Souqs (alternatively spelled as souk, sooq and even suq) are open air marketplaces found throughout the Middle East. Historically these markets were located on the outskirts of the city where trading caravans would gather and merchants would peddle their wares. These souqs were not only market places where goods were bought and sold but cultural centres where celebrations, festivals and similar events were held. As their importance grew the souqs permanently shifted and are now found in prominent places within major Arab cities. Popular souqs are found in many countries across the Middle East including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Souq Waqif is a major souq situated in Doha, Qatar and is well over a hundred years old. It sells a variety of goods ranging from handicrafts and souvenirs to apparel, jewellery and spices. The souq also contains several restaurants serving cuisine from around the world (tourists might enjoy trying shisha at one of the local restaurants) and has recently become a hotbed for the art world with the opening of several art galleries. The souq is situated in the centre of Doha, just a stone’s throw from the Doha Corniche, right between Al Rayyan Road and Musherib Street. Getting there is easy by public transport and there is ample parking for those who come by car.
Dubai is home to several major souqs. The Dubai Gold Souq is probably the most well-known. Located near Al Dhagaya, Deira, the market is at the heart of the emirate’s business district. The market contains nearly three hundred traders who mainly trade in jewellery. Situated nearby are the Dubai Fish and Vegetable Market and the Spice Souq. There are also a few good souqs in Abu Dhabi, the capital. These include the Fish Souq in Mina Zayed, the Al Ain Souq, the Carpet Souq on Mina Road and the Souq Al Qaws and Souq Al Bawadi also in Al Ain.
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