QaTarheel: Exploring Qatar & the Arab World

  The logistics of our trip were handled by a cultural consultancy known as Embrace Doha. The group's mission is to showcase Qatari culture to non-locals and build common ground. In addition to running tours, they also host workshops in their culture house.   Embrace Doha is located in Souq Al Wakra, about a thirty minute drive from downtown. Unlike Souq Waqif, the Al Wakra market was relatively quiet. Few shops or restaurants were open, and many parts looked unoccupied.  The organization is owned and operated by women, and their store features locals craftswomen as well. The interior of Embrace Doha is designed to feel like you're stepping into a home to create a casual space to spark conversations and invite questions.  We sat down at the floor level seating area known as a majlis. We had seen variations of these seating areas around Qatar, and they are a centerpiece of the Arab home. We were given time to relax and reflect before our cultural session began. T...

Souq Waqif translates to the "standing market", and the name comes from its location near the harbor. The threat of flooding meant it was safer for merchants to hold their wares than to have permanent stalls that could be damaged by high water. While some form of the market dates back more than 250 years, the current site was restored by the government in the early 2000s. The goal of the market's renewal was to hold on to the historic character, with some sections exhibiting the narrow, maze-like quality that it is associated with markets in the Arab world. Unlike those ancient sites, however, Souq Waqif feels a bit manufactured, almost like visiting the market areas of Animal Kingdom at Disney World. What I mean is that market combines a degree of authenticity with modern amenities meant to make the experience more appealing. As an example, the government brought in massive air conditioning units and misting fans to cool off market patrons during the World Cup.  Some sec...