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Located within the confines of Souq Waqif, the Falcon Souq is one of the most exciting places to visit in Doha. Visitors can admire the majestic birds from up close, take photographs and, under the shopkeeper’s watchful eye, pose with a falcon perched on the arm.
At Doha's Falcon Souq, located in Souq Waqif, experience the cultural significance of falconry in Qatar. Watch these majestic birds, learn about their history, and even hold one under expert supervision. The souq offers a fascinating insight into falconry, a tradition that remains central to Qatari heritage. A unique destination for visitors seeking to explore more than just shopping.
Falcon Souq is in Souq Waqif, between Al Asmakh and Al Ahmed streets, within walking distance of the Corniche. It has its own entrance with a gilded plaque identifying the location.
Falcons are highly honoured and celebrated as the national bird of Qatar and have always been a crucial part of the country’s rich heritage and culture. Souq Waqif is home to a Falcon Souq where you can explore Qatar’s national bird up close and strike a pose with a falcon perched on your arm.
Falconry is a historic art from the times of the Bedouin tribes, where the raptor is highly trained and used to hunt down migratory birds for food. To experience the authenticity of this tradition, visit the Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif while on your holiday in Doha. There you can explore the majestic birds up close, photograph them and have them sit on your arm. You might even be lucky enough to find yourself wandering along at the time of a public auction. Prices depend on size, strength, and skill level. The Falcon Souq also sells a large variety of falconry accessories such as hoods for the bird’s eyes, cuffs, and gloves for falconers, feathered lures to exercise and train birds, leg restraints and perches to keep the bird tethered, as well as medicines, veterinary supplies, and more.
The birds are so important to Qatari culture that the Souq also houses a falcon hospital. Falconers can bring their birds to the air-conditioned building equipped with state-of-the-art medical incubators, wards, and surgery units. You are likely to see hooded falcons, a practice pursued as part of the taming process to keep them calm until they are used to their surroundings or falconer.
It is open from 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and only in the evening on Fridays.
Be captivated by a lush green space in Doha, that offers a wide range of activities and experiences.
The internationally renowned Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is the crown jewel of Qatar’s museums.
Built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif feels like an anachronism, particularly against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline.
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