A coastal city known for its traditional dhow harbor, restored 19th-century souq, and modern Al Janoub Stadium. Located 15km south of Doha along Qatar's eastern shore.
Al Wakrah sits just south of Doha, where local fishermen still bring their catch to the harbor each morning. You can walk through the restored alleyways of Souq Al Wakrah, swim at the calm family beaches, or watch a football match at Al Janoub Stadium, which drew international crowds during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Exploring Souq Al Wakrah
The restored Souq Al Wakrah opened in 2014, with buildings that mirror traditional Qatari coastal homes built from limestone and coral rock. Walk through more than 100 shops to find handwoven textiles, local dates, Arabic coffee pots, and spices like saffron and cardamom. The narrow alleyways between buildings keep you cool during hot days. At the waterfront restaurants, you can try local dishes like machbous (spiced rice with fish) while looking out over the Persian Gulf.
Al Wakrah's Beaches
Two public beaches line the city's coast: Souq Al Wakrah Beach and Al Wakrah Family Beach. Both have shallow waters that extend several meters from shore, making them safe for children. At Souq Al Wakrah Beach, you'll find changing rooms, restrooms, and large parking areas. Set up at one of the covered gazebos, use the barbecue pits, or watch children in the playground areas. The beach sand changes from golden to white near the water's edge, where hermit crabs and small parrotfish appear during low tide.
Al Wakrah Harbor
Early mornings at the harbor buzz with activity as fishermen unload hamour, shaari, and other local fish species. Watch workers repair wooden dhows - traditional boats weighing between three and five tonnes, built with wooden planks stitched together. While these vessels traditionally used double masts and triangular sails, most now run on motors. Since 2017, the renovated harbor accommodates both fishing boats and sightseeing vessels.
Getting Around
Take the Red Line on the Doha Metro, which runs every 5 minutes during peak hours, connecting you to central Doha. Karwa buses on routes 109, 119, and 139 travel through the city. The ongoing Al Wakrah Main Road Project will add new roads by 2024. By car, you can reach Doha in about 10 minutes via Al Wakrah Road.
Sports and Recreation
Architect Zaha Hadid designed Al Janoub Stadium, which opened in 2019. The 40,000-seat stadium maintains temperatures between 18-24°C during matches through its cooling system. You'll find six public parks throughout the city with walking tracks, exercise equipment, and children's play areas. Watch local football at the 12,000-capacity Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, home to Al-Wakrah Sports Club.
