Market shopping in Doha
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Gold Souq
This pageant of glorious design and spectacular craftsmanship is fun to see even without the intention to buy. The souq comes alive later in the evening, especially before a holiday, when men traditionally express the value of their relationships through buying 22kt gold bangles, or a 'set' comprised of earrings, necklace and bracelet for the women in their family.
Qatari bridal jewellery can cost thousands, but sometimes pieces can be traded back after the wedding for something more readily usable, or even just for cash.
reviewed
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Animal & Bird Market
Located behind the colourful Wholesale Market (selling wholesale fruit, vegetables, meat and fish), this market may be of interest to anyone who hasn't seen pink, yellow and lime green chicks before. Why the birds are dyed is a mystery of the region. Fortunately, they leave the spotted guinea fowl, ring-necked parakeets, African greys and cut-throat zebra finches untinged - possibly because the plumage of the rows and rows of domestic birds is outrageous enough already.
The day before an eid (Islamic feast), the market is heaving with goat-buyers, camel-traders and sheep-shoppers, all looking for a suitable eid supper, but the animals are well shaded and watered, and resp…
reviewed
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Omani Market
This small market, near the Thursday/Friday Market, offers a curious mishmash of items, such as Saudi dates and hand-woven baskets, Omani dried fish, tobacco and lemons, Iranian honey and pots, camel sticks and incense, and fronds of pollen-baring date flowers (to fertilise the female date palms). Buying anything here renders the satisfaction of taking part in a trade that has existed between Oman and the Gulf for centuries.
reviewed
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Second-hand Market
If you're looking for something quirky, the best place to visit is this market in Doha's Najma area. It's a great place to find that teapot from the British administration, minus the spout no doubt, or the date palm saw that you always wanted. The souq comes alive on Friday, when sales are conducted briskly from the back of trucks.
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