Updated March 2025
The jewel of Arabia and the pearl of the Gulf, Qatar has made its mark in the handbook of globetrotters when it comes to unique architecture, world-class events, and state-of-the-art stadiums. This spring, embrace the joy of shopping at the many gallerias, plazas, and souks awaiting your presence in the heart of the nation.
In this curated list, you’ll find places with intriguing designs and concepts that will take your breath away, even before you step inside to peruse the many stores housed within. You’ll also find markets that honor Qatari artisanal traditions with one-of-a-kind craftwork and tantalising delicacies.
The legendary designer Dame Vivienne Westwood once urged, “Buy less, choose well.” But if you’re thinking, “Why not buy more and still choose well?”—Qatar’s shopping scene will deliver exactly that. With its mix of luxury boutiques, traditional markets, and eclectic malls, it’s a paradise where quality and abundance go hand in hand.
The grand shopping malls of Qatar
Doha Festival City
With over 550 stores, over 100 dining options, and a wealth of entertainment for all ages, Doha Festival City lives up to its name.
You will find new wardrobe options for your whole family here with stores from Armani Exchange, Adidas Kids, Balmain, Bugatti, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, and H&M. Arabian fashion houses like Al Motahajiba, Le Merge, Biscoti, LCW Modest are also available here.
Completely break away from shopping and let your inner teenager take the reign at Virtuocity e-gaming or unique theme parks inside the mall like Angry Birds World and SnowDunes.
Keep yourself and the young ones perked up at the counters of Godiva, Haagen-Dazs, and Karmello in between your shopping. If you feel low in energy, indulge in your favorite cuisines at global eaterie joints like Nando’s, Cheesecake Factory, Jamie’s Italian, or Le Petit Train Bleu.
Villagio Mall
For a taste of la dolce vita right in the heart of Qatar, make your way to the Villagio Mall towards the West End of Doha. Sit back in a gondola and take in the Venetian ambiance as you are rowed to Via Domo, perhaps one of the chicest squares in the region.
Whether you want to add some bling from Messika Paris, an elegant watch from Swiss experts Baume & Mercier, or the latest designs fresh off the runway from major fashion houses.—Via Domo will not disappoint.
Set your bags aside and sit down for a lip-smacking meal at Benihana. Fuel up on espresso at Caffè Vergnano, and nibble on a verified luxe macaroon at Ladurée Paris. After lunch, how about catching one of the latest blockbusters at IMAX Cinemas?
The Venetian experience continues beyond shopping at the Gondolania theme park with an Olympic-level all-year-round ice skating rink, mini golf, go-kart, boat ride, laser park and so much more.
Galeries Lafayette Doha
Find your way to the Galeries Lafayette Doha to luxuriate in a 9th arrondissement Parisian vibe. Located in the heart of Katara Cultural Village, considered a contemporary haven for new artists, Galleries Lafayette invites you to pursue all kinds of artistic and stylistic expression.
400 designers and labels offering their prêt-à-porter are spread across three floors here. Pick out a unique scent with a visit to Byredo or Henry Jacques, before you ponder a new skincare regime with La Prairie. Pair it with a statement collection from the latest at Izaak Azanei or add to your party capsule with exclusive pieces from Zeena Zaki. Top it off with a legacy bag from Le Bag Paris.
Place Vendôme Qatar
Place Vendôme Qatar brings a sprinkle of French c’est la vie and a dash of Arabian hospitality to Lusail, and presents epicureans with the best of both worlds.
Splurge at high-end boutiques like Valentino, Burberry, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Emilio Pucci, FENDI, Masimo Dutti, and Miu Miu, among many others. Take inspiration for your next house redesign at fine art museums like La Galeria or AM Art Gallery. Before leaving, pick up an edible souvenir from Golden Honey and Sweets or Honey Valley.
Al Hazm Mall
Al Hazm, translated to “the higher ground,” takes the regular retail therapy experience and gives it a sophisticated spin.
Embellished with Tuscan marbles and Palestinian stones by Indian artisans, this shopping plaza is modeled after one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Take your time to select the best addition to your wardrobe with exclusive collections available at stores like Style De Vie, Sole Avenue, Lorena Antoniazzi, and Ahmed Kakoli.
End the day with an impeccable presentation of global flavors like Indian at Kuma, Italian at Signor Sassi, Asian at Ridge La Cuisine, Persian at Takht-E-Jamshid, Lebanese at Dar Al Karam or indulge in exclusive edible art Butcha Steakhouse or Asador De Aranda.
Mall of Qatar
Any shopping trip cannot be complete without a visit to the biggest shopping mall in the country, the Mall of Qatar.
Housing over 500 stores, entertainment zones, and an eye-popping food court, there are virtually endless activities for shoppers and their companions alike.
Step into the mesmerizing world of Arabian perfumes at stores like Ahmed Maghrabi Perfumes, Al Alwa Oud, and Zawaya Perfumes, before you grab a finely handcrafted watch with precious gems or diamonds from stores like Alfardan Jewellery and Alvira, which will remind you of your time in Qatar whenever you glance at your watch.
The traditional souk scene in Qatar
Souq Waqif
A heritage souk that has evolved to the beat of time yet managed to keep its true essence alive—Souq Waqif is a must-visit for any shopping aficionado.
Whether you want to give your house a makeover with eye-catching antiques and handicrafts, add traditional Qatari gold jewellery to your collection, stock up your pantry with Arabian spices and dry fruits straight from the origin, or add a new oud to your fragrance routine, Souq Waqif will make you want to mark your calendars for your next visit.
Close your shopping trip here with a visit to Argan, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant for its high end spin on Moroccan traditional cuisine.
Al Wakrah Old Souq
Nestled in the heart of the Old Town (Al Wakrah City), Al Wakrah Old Souq is a portal to Qatar of a bygone era.
The over-two centuries-old market houses miscellanea of traditional items, from household utensils, vintage knick-knacks, oud and Arabian perfumes, clothes and accessories to spices and fresh produce—making it a hub for locals and tourists alike.
