The choice in Doha is mainly between the more atmospheric old traditional souks or the ultra modern air-conditioned shopping malls that are springing up in and around the city; both offer some genuine bargains particularly in terms of gold, other jewellery and electronics.

The Mall, D Ring Road and the Landmark Mall, Al Shamala Road, are two of the most popular malls. Other malls to look out for include The Royal Plaza (Al Sadd Street) and the Hyatt Plaza (Al Waab Road). You can find designer names at the Alfardan Centre, Grand Hamad Street, while City Centre Mall, C Ring Road, claims to be one of the biggest shopping malls in the region and easily swallows up a half day.

The souks are a long way from the Arabian Nights fantasies, with many of them quite slick air-conditioned affairs. The most appealing souks include the Gold Souk, off Grand Hamad Street, Souk Al-Jabor, Al Ahmed Street, which peddles leather goods and Souk Waqif, Souk Waqif Street, which specialises in perfume, spices, and traditional Qatari dress.

Malls tend to be open Saturday to Thursday 1000-2200 and Friday 1400-2200, while the souks keep more irregular hours.