Doha's Souq Waqif is a World Cup winner as traders enjoy business boom

Thousands of football lovers have flocked to the quaint market, with shop owners reaping the rewards

Traders at Souq Waqif have embraced World Cup fever. All photos: Ali Al Shouk / The National

Football lovers have flocked to the market for a taste of tradition and to snap up shirts and souvenirs.

An array of football shirts from teams represented at the tournament are on sale.

The souq has been a hive of activity throughout a memorable World Cup.

The World Cup party has been in full swing at Souq Waqif.

The market has become a focal point of joyful fan activity during the festival of football.

The bustling market has come to life during the Qatar World Cup.

Business is booming for traders at a bustling Doha market, which has been at the heart of the action during the World Cup.

Tens of thousands of footballer lovers have filled the narrow streets of Souq Waqif throughout the tournament to rejoice over famous victories and commiserate after heartbreaking defeat.

It has provided a welcome boost for shopkeepers, who have reaped the benefits of the festival of footfall by selling everything from shirts, flags, souvenirs and Qatari attire to those eager to immerse themselves in the culture of the Middle East.

Mohammed Tahir, an Indian salesman at the traditional souq, said he had sold hundreds of national team shirts each day.

“I sold 500 shirts in 24 hours. I have been selling hundreds of team shirts every day during the tournament. Prices are about 50 riyals [Dh50] per shirt,” Mr Tahir told The National.

Morocco lead the way

A Saudi Arabian supporter in the Souq Waqif market area during the Fifa World Cup 2022 in Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2022. EPA

Fans with Saudi Arabian flags at Souq Waqif market during Saudi Arabia's win over Argentina in the World Cup. EPA

Saudi fans celebrate their team's surprise win over Argentina, one of the tournament favourites. Reuters

Saudi fans in Souq Waqif celebrate their team's surprise win over Argentina. Reuters

A Saudi fan in Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2022. EPA

A stallholder in the Souq Waqif market area selling World Cup paraphernalia during the Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar. EPA

The biggest seller in the first days of the event was the Saudi Arabia shirt, with many fans keen to wear the green colours after the side's stunning 2-1 win over Argentina.

It was soon overtaken by the red and green of Morocco as the Atlas Lions embarked on a history-making run to the semi-finals.

“We used to sell many Saudi jerseys and now the most wanted shirt is for Morocco,” said Mr Tahir.

“Prices went up for Morocco shirts from 30 riyals at the beginning of the tournament to 60 riyals these days.”

The happy trader has kept his shop open until 3am to meet demand.

One fan who travelled from the US to attend Morocco's third-place play-off with Croatia on Saturday had to settle for an older version of the national shirt, such has been the support for the North Africans.

“I arrived tonight at the airport from the US and came to Souq Waqif to buy a Morocco shirt for the third-place match but I only managed to get the former jersey,” said Abdelhafidh Saeed.

“I wish I had purchased the new shirt online.”

The souq is believed to have been established more than a century ago, and was already a beloved tourist destination in Doha.

It has been a popular port of call not only for supporters but for global TV stations who have trained their cameras on the area to offer a taste of old world Qatar charm to viewers around the globe.

Reporters from Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports have been regularly stationed at the market for fan interviews.

In high demand

Abdulqasim Mumtaz said many fans were buying the traditional Qatari 'thobe' dress and some bought customised versions featuring their country’s flag.

“The business has been very good in the last four weeks. Sometimes we can hardly rest or have a meal because of high demand by football fans and tourists,” Mr Mumtaz said.

He said many fans purchased the ghutra headdress adorned with the flag and name of their national team.

“They buy these items for themselves and relatives as gifts. Prices range from 30 to 60 riyals depending on quality.

“It has been a remarkable month in Souq Waqif.”

Messi and Ronaldo are stars of the souq

Argentina's Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez celebrate during the 3-0 World Cup semi-final win against Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022. AP

Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina's win with Rodrigo De Paul, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes and Alejandro Gomez after the match. Reuters

Argentina's Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate their victory. AP

Lionel Messi of Argentina after the team's win over Croatia. Getty

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after the game. Getty

Julian Alvarez celebrates with teammates after scoring the third goal. Getty

Argentina's Julian Alvarez scores the third goal of the game. PA

Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring the second goal with Lionel Messi and teammates. EPA

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the first goal. Getty

Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal. Getty

Argentina's Julian Alvarez scores the second goal. PA

Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring. Getty

Croatia's Dominik Livakovic fouls Julian Alvarez, leading to the penalty. Getty

Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic lies on the ground after fouling Argentina's Julian Alvarez to concede a penalty. AFP

Lionel Messi scores his penalty. Getty

Lionel Messi after scoring Argntina's first goal from the penalty spot. Getty

Lionel Messi in action with Croatia's Mateo Kovacic. Reuters

It comes as little surprise that in Doha, much like the rest of the world, Argentine hero Lionel Messi and Portugal forward Ronaldo are the stars of the show.

“We have many people who bought Argentina jerseys with Messi's name. Ronaldo fans came to buy Portugal jerseys with Ronaldo's name. The price for each is about 45 riyals,” said Maanav, a Bangladeshi salesman.

With the World Cup party soon to be over, the souq is gearing for one final weekend of roaring trade.

“Besides selling the shirts, flags, scarf and dresses, people now coming to buy souvenirs as they are leaving Doha after the world cup,” said Maanav.

“We will be missing the benefits of having football fans here.”