What Souvenirs Are There in Qatar? 4 Arab-Style Souvenirs!
Qatar, a Middle Eastern country, is brimming with souvenirs that represent the Arab world. Not only can you find food items, but there are also many unique trinkets and accessories that you won’t see in your country, making wandering through the markets an enjoyable experience. Discover souvenirs that are uniquely Qatari!
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What Souvenirs Are There in Qatar? 4 Arab-Style Souvenirs!
1. Spices
For those who want to recreate the Arab dishes you enjoyed in Qatar, spices are an absolute must. In fact, if you have the right blend of spices, you can recreate Arab cuisine with a high probability! Doesn’t it make you excited to see so many colorful spices lined up before you?
Typical Arab spices include cardamom, coriander, cumin, and turmeric, but you’ll also find black pepper, cinnamon, paprika, nutmeg, ginger powder, and garlic powder—ingredients that are versatile enough for all kinds of dishes. They make excellent souvenirs for friends who love cooking.
All the spices are sold by weight, so you can easily buy as little as 100 grams. Some shops even offer them pre-packaged in pouches. There are also mixes specially blended for chicken or fish, making it very convenient.
2. Dates (Date Palm Fruits)
If you’re at a loss for what souvenir to get in an Arab country, dates are always a safe bet. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, dates are a natural treasure packed with nutrition and are a common food item across Arab countries.
The quality and variety of dates range widely. One popular date specialty is “Bateer,” a top-quality date product favored by the Saudi royal family, which is available in a beautifully crafted wooden box. Of course, there are also affordable small boxed versions, and you can easily find dates at the airport if you forget to buy them before leaving. Highly recommended varieties include those with the pits removed and almonds added, or ones with pistachios inserted. They even pair perfectly with strong green tea—so give them a try.
3. Arabic Coffee
When you hear "Arabic coffee," you might imagine a thick layer of foam on top—a description more fitting for Turkish coffee. In Arab countries, however, Arabic coffee is typically served as a gesture of hospitality, poured into small cups similar to sake cups.
It is made by boiling coarsely ground coffee beans with cardamom and cloves. The resulting brew has a flavor reminiscent of cardamom tea rather than typical coffee. Interestingly, despite the Arab people’s love for sweets, sugar is usually not added; instead, the coffee is enjoyed alongside sweet dates. Once finished, the coffee is continuously refilled in true Arab hospitality. Along with the Arabic coffee beans, sets of gold-plated Arabic coffee pots and cups are also sold as souvenirs—perfect for a memorable keepsake.
4. Gold Products
When you think of the Arab world, gold immediately comes to mind. Rich Arabs in the Gulf countries, in particular, have an immense love for gold. The Gold Souq in Doha, though small in scale, is filled with gold and is definitely worth a look. In hotels and shopping centers, you’ll always find stores selling gold items.
While you might not normally see such flashy and large designs in your country, there are pendants featuring motifs like camels, Arabic lamps, and teapots that evoke the spirit of the Arab world. All gold items are sold by weight, and the quality of the gold is regulated by the government; the current market price is even displayed, ensuring peace of mind. Why not find a special gold souvenir for yourself?
◎Summary
Qatar is a country rich in luxury, and with the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, related facilities are being built at a rapid pace. Even if you don’t plan to visit as a tourist, you might encounter opportunities through business. The most popular souvenirs are found in the Gold Souq, where stylish cafés and restaurants line the streets and neat souvenir shops abound. Although the atmosphere may not reflect that of a traditional Arab souk, shopping here is extremely convenient, with everything from quirky trinkets to exquisite gold and silver crafts readily available at Doha’s well-equipped airport. Grab a unique piece of Qatar as your final shopping stop before you leave!
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