Al Wakra is notable for its bustling fishing harbour and is just 10 minutes’ drive south of the capital city Doha on Route 7. Following Doha, Al Wakra is the second largest city in the country. Located in eastern Qatar, the city is believed to have a history of its own, independent from that of the capital.
It has become a popular commuter suburb and several private schools have relocated there. Numerous mosques, old minarets, forts and wind towers offer some of the finest examples of traditional architecture – see Abu Manaratain Mosque and House of Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the Sightseeing section.
There’s much to see and do! Here are the top must-see destinations in Al Wakra:
Al Wakra Family Beach
The old fishing town of Al Wakra is undergoing continuous redevelopment. The 4 km coastline stretches from the hills to the fishing harbour. The beachfront traditional village called Souq Waqif, Al Wakra is a replica of life 200 years ago. Al Wakra family beach in the Al Jabal area has volleyball and football areas, shading, showers and toilets. The water is shallow but with lots of rocks, and children should be supervised. Solar power is being utilised to provide lighting.
Al Wakra Park (Al Wakra Public Garden)
A large landscaped park with different ornamental plants, as well as palm and olive trees, at the end of Al Aurouba Street and near Al Wakra beach. There are plenty of trees providing shaded sitting areas, a children’s play zone and a large pool next to the cafeteria.
Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra
Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra is located at the heart of Al Wakra, providing convenient access for the local community. The mall has an area of 75,684 sq m and houses over 160 retail outlets. Al Wakra’s first mall, Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra offers an exceptional variety of new and established brands, and a selection of cafes, restaurants and family entertainment options. An architectural masterpiece that perfectly blends traditional Arabic architecture with modern design elements, the mall is a welcome focal point for the Al Wakra neighbourhood to come to shop, dine and socialise. Visitors of Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra can explore many unique fashion stores, enchanting perfumeries, sophisticated jewellery shops and a host of other new concepts in luxury retail. Ezdan Mall, Al Wakra is one of the most popular shopping destination for Al Wakra and the surrounding areas. 4433 4545, ezdanmall.qa/al-wakra
Souq Al Wakra
Souq Al Wakra, also known as Souq Waqif, Al Wakra or Heritage Village, officially opened on Al Wakra seafront in late 2014. Following Doha, Al Wakra is the second largest city in Qatar. Located in eastern Qatar, just south of Doha, the city is believed to have a history of its own, independent from that of the capital. In the charming, ancient city of Al Wakra is an enchanting, thriving souq that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Qatari heritage and culture, and seeing Qatar outside of the bright lights of its capital city. Al Wakra’s own thriving market – Souq Al Wakra – is full of popular restaurants and coffee shops. The souq stretches for approximately 3 km along the town’s coast, with a corniche for people to walk along. The souq is divided into 10 zones of markets, restaurants, shops, stables, and a kids playground, as well as parking and the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli.
Built to look old and traditional, Souq Al Wakra (Heritage Village) gives one a feeling of having stepped into the past. The small shops in the complex resemble conventional Qatari buildings featuring walls with a mud coating and classic big wooden doors and lanterns. The ceilings of the roofs are made of palm leaves. The souq also houses a mosque with gates and a walkway made of wood and a well symbolising the old lifestyle in Qatar. Its ample parking space and fresh sea air make a welcome difference. Souq Al Wakra welcomes visitors to swim or just relax on its beach from 10 am – 6 pm under the supervision of lifeguards.
Setting off southward from Doha, stop for a visit at Souq Al Wakra with its maze of courtyards and alleyways, leading to a promenade of traditional shops and authentic restaurants. The souq’s beach is its charm. There is much to see and do here. While travelling from Doha to Mesaieed, it’s located to the left.
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar By Tivoli
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli is a five-star property blending artful Qatari tradition and top-end contemporary leisure in Souq Al Wakra, a seaside district near central Doha located at a walking distance of three minutes from Al Wakra Beach.
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar By Tivoli has a fitness centre and a garden. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. Both free WiFi and private parking are available on site. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a coffee machine. The rooms feature a wardrobe. A business centre with newspapers is at guests’ disposal at the accommodation. Languages spoken at the reception include Afrikaans, Arabic and English.
A breakfast is served each morning at the property either a la carte or buffet. At Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar By Tivoli, you will find a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Middle eastern cuisine.
Doha is 14 km from Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar By Tivoli. The nearest airport is Hamad International Airport (HIA), 9 km from the property.
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