Your guide to central markets around Qatar

The central markets in Qatar have existed for a long time, but more recently, Hassad Food has governed them through a subsidiary known as “ASWAQ.” The markets were also moved to key locations near Doha as a result of the legislative adjustments. There are currently three primary central markets in operation, namely:

Al Sailiya Central Market (Aswaq Sailiya)

Wakra Central Market (Aswaq Wakra)

Umm Salal Central Market (Aswaq Umm Salal)

You can get directions to and information on what to find at the central markets through our article.

Al Sailiya Central Market

To meet the demands of producers, traders, and consumers alike, the market is constructed in accordance with the most recent international standards. The new central market, which is over 78,000 square metres in size, is situated in the middle of nowhere, around 25 minutes from the centre of Doha. To accommodate the fruit and vegetable trade, the market has been divided into a number of connected, air-conditioned areas. 52 shops make up the traditional market at Al Sailiya’s central market, which also has 102 shops for retail sales and 50 shops for wholesale. Additionally, the central market features nine cold storages and an almost 8,000 square metre auction hall where imported goods are sold (2600 sq.). To ensure seamless and effective operations, Aswaq has developed a proven operations module for the auction hall. The products are then placed in the auction hall once the trucks are registered in the allocated parking area and the data is cross-checked at the market entry point. The products are loaded either out of the market, to the wholesale market, or to the cold storages when the bidding is over.

Wakra Central Market

Al Wakra Central Market was developed in accordance with the most recent worldwide methods to meet the requirements of producers, traders, and consumers. The market is situated in the middle of the central road networks, covering a land area of about 230,000 square metres. It is 30 minutes from the centre of Doha and 10 minutes from the border of the main outlet for importing cattle and fodder (Hamad Port). To support the cattle trade, the market is organised into a number of parts, including barns, an automated slaughterhouse, stores, hypermarkets, service shops, and administrative offices. Over 600 cattle buildings make up the part of barns, which is divided into storage and show areas. All are tinted and conform to international standards for both sizes and characteristics. With a slaughterhouse that spans 14,000 square metres and a production capacity of up to 9,000 head per day for livestock utilising modern procedures to ensure product quality and the effectiveness of the operation, Al Wakra Central Market is home to one. For cows and camels, there is an additional line available. Each and every retail, wholesale, and hypermarket area has air conditioning. The market has 102 stores to support its primary business, which includes supplies for travels, veterinary care, and the production of feed and grain. The market also has about 5,200 square metres of fodder storage space. In addition to the traditional market, the retail area of the mall has 76 stores selling fresh produce, dried fruit, honey, and dates. Restaurants, supermarkets, and cafeterias each get six service shops.

Umm Salal Central Market

We can show you where to find fresh fish that is less expensive than supermarket prices if you are willing to drive for 30 minutes. You are not required to prepare your fishing equipment. Drive to Souq Umm Salal in Umm Salal Mohammed by using the Al Shamal (North) Road. Souq Umm Salal, which opened in April 2017, sells the majority of everyday items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. The fish is, in fact, the highlight. The facility has a number of vendors. If this is your first time visiting, take a look around to see what is offered and to compare prices. The facility is extremely large and is frequently crowded on weekends. Visit on a weekday or in the morning on a weekend if you want to avoid the crowds. There are two designated fish cleaning areas in the complex. Give the fish to a member of the cleaning crew and take a token from the counter. You won’t have to wait long to have your fish cleaned because the facility is well-equipped with top-notch cutting equipment. Fish will be auctioned twice daily at Souq Umm Salal, sometimes referred to as Umm Salal Central Market. One for imported fish and the other for local fish, both in the morning. Additionally, the site includes its own ice factory. During the periods that the auctions are planned, the air-conditioned auction yard is extremely busy. In the same complex, there is also a seafood restaurant, stores offering regional goods including nuts, honey, and spices, a plant nursery, and a cafeteria.