Souq Waqif welcoming visitors with precautionary measures

Doha: Souq Waqif, the traditional market which is a historic remnant of the previous century’s commerce in the Gulf, remains vibrant during Ramadan despite the pandemic. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, it remains open only on weekdays with precautionary measures in place.

At 9.30pm, visitors, both of local and foreign origins, begin to swarm the main streets of the Souq. Most are middle-aged, but a few youths hang around coffee shops, enjoying their evening refreshments.  Such visits of Souq Waqif are frequent, despite the removal of all outdoor sitting areas in accordance with the recent sanitary measures.