DOHA: Already a major tourist destination, Souq Waqif, is set to further cement its reputation as Doha's tourist hub with plans afoot to establish new facilities including new hotels and additional parking areas, says an official.
Ten new hotels are set to rise in Souq Waqif as part of the management's ambitious plans to further develop the already prominent Souq, said Mohammad Al Salim, General Manager of Souq Waqif, in an interview with an Arabic daily.
Further developing the Souq which has become one of the most visited spots in the country was prompted by the increase in the number of international conferences and exhibitions hosted by Qatar and the coming World Cup 2022, according to Al Salim.
Currently there are only two hotels at the Souq which are operational namely Al Kharis Hotel and Souq Waqif Hotel, while Bismillah Hotel is also being developed.
Around 20,000 to 30,000 visitors come to Souq Waqif during weekdays and can reach up to 40,000 during Thursdays and Fridays.
Parking areas are also being developed to add spaces which can accommodate an additional 4,500 vehicles. They include a three-level underground parking area which can hold up to 2,000 vehicles and another parking space which can accommodate 2,500 cars.
The parking areas along with the new structures which have been built and yet to be erected such as cafes and shops follow traditional architecture and use locally available materials to maintain the traditional look and feel of the Souq, says Al Salim.
An information office is also being planned to be established which will be responsible for distributing informative brochures and giving directions to tourists. The Souq's website will also be updated to include information about the shops, hotels and other details significant to visitors to the tourist spot.
To avoid the occurrence of fires, one of which happened in 2003, the management has also prioritized the establishment of Civil Defence building in the Souq and equipping shops with latest safety system.
The 1, 250 shops in the Souq are also being monitored to ensure they follow rules and procedures, violation of which may result to cancellation of a store's licence. In close coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, cafes, restaurants and shops are also being monitored to ensure they follow health rules with regard to the validity of foodstuff and beverage and the quality of services.
On the high prices of food in restaurants and cafes, Al Salim said they have already reduced the prices by 20 percent and cancelled service tax two years ago and that they offer the same prices because of competition. Also to encourage stores offering traditional crafts, store operators selling these crafts are given free rent, water and electricity.
There are also plans to organize more events to attract more visitors in the Souq. Among the successful events which have been held at the Souq included the 14-day Spring Festival, the Circus Festival, Eid Al Fitr and Al Adha festivals, concerts of popular Arab artistes, and musical events during weekends all catered to the multi-cultural population of Qatar and visitors.
© The Peninsula 2011
