After a long summer lull, business activities at Souq Al Wakrah are slowly gaining momentum.
The cool weather has helped the area, seen as an ideal destination for tourists and families who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Doha’s busy streets and bright lights.
Because of the area's increasing popularity, several shops have opened and more ATMs are now available, a development welcomed by many visitors because some restaurants and stores still insist on cash payment by customers.
“Early this year, when we used to frequent Souq Al Wakrah just before the summer season started, there were no establishments in front of the souq coming from the parking lot. But I was surprised to see some eateries there aside from the usual establishments along the corniche,” a Doha resident told Gulf Times.
A driver of the golf carts that ferry visitors from the parking lot to the Souq Al Wakrah’s corniche said at least three new stores have opened this year, while a staff member in one of the cafes added that there are now four new restaurants in the area.
According to a restaurant staff, many families and tourists have started frequenting Souq Al Wakrah since the last week of September. She said sales at the souq would reach its peak by November and then wane by December due to many activities being held in Doha.
“Last year, we were averaging at least QR5,000 per day on weekdays and sales would climb to around QR9,000 per day on weekends. But in December sales would drop drastically because of stiff competition from many activities being held in Doha,” she pointed out.
“But last year, our company joined other food establishments at the Qatar National Day event held in Al Saad. We were able to earn at least QR8,000 to QR9,000 per day during the two-week event,” she said.
With the temperatures falling, many establishments at Souq Al Wakrah expect more customers over the next few weeks.
“During the weekends, we average at least 50 customers a day, mostly families. But for larger food establishments, they surely get more people and higher sales. But we are still expecting a good season this year,” she added.