Doha: Souq Waqif Guided Tour | Falconry & Pearling in Qatar｜Qatar

Begin your journey at the Falcon Souq in the heart of Souq Waqif and discover Qatar’s deep-rooted falconry heritage. Learn about falcons, their importance in Qatari culture, traditional training methods, the special bond between falconers and these magnificent birds.

Visit a traditional falcon shop to see the birds up close and discover their equipment. Continue to the Falcon Hospital, one of the Middle East’s largest specialized falcon hospitals, explore its medical museum to learn how these highly valued birds are examined, treated, & cared for.

Explore Souq Waqif, experience the traditions of old Qatar. Visit a traditional Qatari Majlis, meet locals, and enjoy Arabic coffee with dates. Also have an opportunity to wear traditional Qatari attire and take memorable photos. See and photograph the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Discover Qatar’s pearling heritage as your guide explains the importance of pearl diving and shows you a traditional boat. View historical photographs of Qatar’s rulers and compare photographs of Doha from 1947 with the modern city to appreciate the country’s remarkable transformation.

See a traditional wind tower and learn how it provided natural cooling before electricity. Visit the Dama Majlis to meet locals & learn about Dama a traditional board game.

As you explore the souq, discover objects from Qatar’s past, including old telephones, radios, weighing machines, pearl-diving nets, and the curved knife traditionally used to open oysters. Depending on the season, usually July to September, you may also taste fresh local dates.

Experience one of Souq Waqif’s unique streets, where an underground cooling system helps keep the area comfortable during Qatar’s hot summers. Explore traditional spice shops, Arabic clothing, souvenirs, and painting shops featuring works by Qatari artists. Take a photo with the Qatar flag and visit the famous Golden Thumb while learning its story.

Continue to the Spiral Mosque, a distinctive example of Islamic architecture and home to the Islamic Cultural Center. Learn about its unique design and cultural significance.

Explore the newer section of the souq, including traditional abaya shops and modern stores. Continue to the Gold Souq to admire handcrafted jewelry and discover Qatar’s traditional jewelry craftsmanship, with opportunities to purchase a special keepsake.

Before concluding, see traditional women’s waiting areas, a prayer room, and family waiting areas, gaining further insight into Qatar’s customs and social traditions.

Throughout the tour, your licensed guide will bring Qatar’s history, culture, traditions, and transformation to life through stories and fascinating facts. Water, Arabic coffee, and dates are available during the experience.

The tour concludes after experiencing the many layers of Souq Waqif, from falconry and pearl diving to hospitality, art, shopping, architecture, and modern Qatar.