With only a few days remaining for Eid al-Fitr, souqs and shops in Doha and elsewhere are witnessing hectic activity. These include the ever-popular Souq Waqif in the heart of Qatar's capital, where people are turning up in big numbers to buy perfumes, clothes, gifts, sweets and nuts.
Over the past few days, Qataris as well as expatriates have been flocking to the shops at Souq Waqif in preparation for Eid al-Fitr, bringing cheer to the merchants there.
“The shops have been witnessing a rush of customers and we are prepared to cater to the needs of buyers with new stocks,” said a cloth merchant, Saleem M K, whose store is located in the southern corner of Souq Waqif.
Thobes are among the most sought-after clothing items, whether readymade or tailored. “Most of grown-up men and male kids select clothes by the middle of Ramadan and we stitch them accordingly,” he added.
Tailoring shop owners are accepting no more bookings now and it is time to deliver their previously received orders, Gulf Times learnt. “We have had enough orders and our tailors have been busy working on them to deliver items like thobes on time,” said another merchant, Abdul Rasheed.
Qatari women opt for abayas and jalabiyas, which are also either readymade or stitched in tailoring shops. These comes in various designs and colours, though traditional patterns are generally in high demand.
Some expatriates also opt for thobes while others prefer kurtas, kameez, shirts and trousers. The shops also get women customers looking for churidars.
A variety of children's clothes are also available, both for girls and boys.
The traditional headgear (gahfiya) is also an integral part of clothing for Qataris. There are shops specialising in selling gahfiya and other accessories such as iqal, the traditional black cord worn on the ghutra (scarf).
Buttons, beads and watches are also sold at the shops and these are available in multiple designs and sizes. Some buy these for personal use while others gift them to friends or relatives during the Eid celebrations.
Perfume and oud sales have also gone up at Souq Waqif, where shop owners offer locally made and imported items at different prices.
Mohamed Iqbal, a perfume seller, said Eid is a time for Qataris to buy perfumes and watches. “We have a wide range of local and imported brands,” he said. Iqbal’s shop also has a variety of hennas and cosmetics for women customers.