New owner ask Souq Faleh shopkeepers to evacuate
Souq Faleh, one of the oldest markets in the city located opposite Souq Waqif, may not remain for long as shop owners have been asked to evacuate.
Although the shops have not received an eviction notice from the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, several shopkeepers at the souq said yesterday that they have been asked by a new owner to vacate the buildings in a year.
Since the arrival of dozens of glitzy hypermarkets across the country, Doha's traditional souq area has lost its glitter and business. Souq Ahmed Bin Ali, which is next door to Souq Faleh, is being demolished.
Located next to Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, formerly known as Fanar, Souq Faleh is more than 30 years old and has at least 60 shops. They mostly sell abayas, readymade garments and toys.
The complex also houses some jewellery outlets. Despite a continuing lull in business, the place is frequented by a number of loyal customers, mostly Qatari women and expatriates.
Many shopkeepers said that they are looking for alternative commercial space, which is hard to find at affordable rents. Many traders in the neighbouring Souq Al Asiery and Souq Al Deira are also planning to relocate either because they have lost business or for fear that they would also be asked to vacate soon.
An expatriate, who is running a shop at Souq Faleh since 1985, said, "We are paying QR8,000 per month, but we won't find another place for this rent. We have found a shop near Industrial Area for about QR12,000, but we are not sure if business will thrive there."
Shop keepers at other souqs also said that their business was hit after Souq Najada and Souq Ahmed Al Ali were demolished.
A shop keeper at Souq Al Asiery, selling mainly bags and fabrics, said, "There is no proper parking in this area now. Many customers don't come this way due to traffic congestion and because part of the souq has already been demolished."
Souq Najada, located close to these souqs was demolished in the first half of 2012 and now a hotel and book shop is being built there by a private contractor.
However, a section of the souq still remains and will host some retail shops. This project is expected to be completed by April next year. [The Peninsula]
Photo by Jaffard Klinton
It's business . Rents are too cheap at present
Option is very simple for locals either you stand up and preserve the culture and heritage or let everyone destroy the remaining
People are more going for malls, hypermarkets etc..
Those small business are only run because of some customers nearby and on Friday.
So better they find other options.
hahaha, rent is booming qatar is booming like once we used to say dubai is booming. rent high means booming with no local Business every where constrution like abdulha bin thani street once it was good business now due to contruction hardly able to sale one shirt or t shirt in week days. its very defecult to Continue with small scale business here said one of my friend and shop owner.
QR 8000 per month for a shop is a cheap rent in Doha as a 2BHK residence has more than the said rent. I believe that those old buildings in city are supposed to be demolished and reconstructed in new fashion that will bring new look to the city. Qatar is a growing economy and every business man should be flexible and adaptable to new changes. Those who are vacating their shops should never give up but keep looking for a good space in the market. Change is a global phenomenon. All the very best!!