Souq Al Wakrah (Part 1): A Hidden Gem

I’m writing a special series on Souq Al Wakrah which was always a target destination by our family but often being overlooked due to its perceived distance from Doha. But amazed by its stunning beauty when we visited it over the weekend, Best Life Qatar is set to unveil a secret treasure that many people in Qatar may have not seen before… and should be considered on their next road trip itinerary.

Part 1:

Since its formal opening almost three years ago (during the 2014 Qatar National Day celebration), much has been written about Al Wakrah Heritage Village, most popularly referred to as Souq Al Wakrah. Several online and printed media had feature articles about this beautiful place. But while it has already received a number of visitors since then, I believe that Souq Al Wakrah deserve much more atention than this.

It’s around 15-20 minutes drive from Hamad International Airport or 20 minutes straight road drive from Najma Area via the new G-Ring road going to Barwa Village. Just head on to the Shell Roundabout and make a u-turn on the next round about, Souq Al Wakrah should be on your right at the back of the old Al Wakrah Petrol Station.

As part of Al Wakra Masterplan to turn itself into a waterfront destination and a vibrant city, this massive maze-like reconstruction project is destined to duplicate the status and grandeur of Souq Waqif in Doha.

One of the most significant projects was Al Wakrah Heritage Village. The village includes Al Wakrah Souq, Al Wakrah Corniche and a gated mosque. It opened in December 2014, seven years after the project was launched. There are more than a hundred shops in the souq selling traditional crafts as well as several restaurants. – wikipedia.

As a promising tourist destination in the south, the seaside location is hands down its most remarkable advantage, giving visitors a taste of the traditional fishermen’s lifestyle in the olden Wakra.

Our timing was just as perfect as more shops had recently opened and the weather is also getting cooler as winter season approaches. Now, Al Wakrah will no longer be just a go-to place for swimming or fishing, but also an alternative stopover for friends, colleagues, and families for dining, buying souvenirs and pets, buying fresh catch in the mornings, or a leisurely stroll at the seaside.