Shopping at the Souqs

Souqs are traditional marketplaces in Arab cities. Before malls and shopping centers, it was where all textiles, jewelry, spices, woodwork, furniture and other goods were sold. Doha has preserved the original architecture and traditional feel of their old souqs. In a souq, you should never pay the sticker price—many things are not even labeled with a price. It is expected that you bargain and (if you are good) you end up paying 30 to 50% less than the original price. Prices in the souqs are generally cheaper than in a mall or other modern store. Many of the shopkeepers do not speak English very well, but they know enough to convert to U.S. dollars and their favorite phrase is, “For you—Best Price!” We took a trip before we came home to buy some candy, nuts and a few gifts to bring home to Utah and California.