City Center Doha is one of Qatar’s oldest and largest shopping malls providing a one-stop spot for almost every need.
Every year in Qatar is marked with the opening of a new mall or shopping destination. With more than two decades of modern retail development, Qatar has become an attractive market for retail brands and shoppers as it has one of the world’s highest per capita GDPs.
With the high temperatures in the summer, shopping malls are a favourite pastime for residents and visitors of Qatar. A combination of comfortable incomes, increasingly expensive tastes and luxury brand awareness in Qatar has opened the door to a string of grade A retail developments and outlets. Residents of Qatar can choose from a wide selection of shopping malls and centres in the country.
Early this year, Qatar saw the opening of the first mall in Mesaieed, Waddan Mall. Other new malls and shopping centres opened in 2021–22: Giardino Mall (Lulu) in The Pearl Island, Printemps Doha in Doha Oasis, Place Vendôme in Lusail City, Msheireb Galleria in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), Abu Sidra Mall in Bu Sidra and J-Mall in Hazm Al Markhiya.
Souqs
Although the shopping malls in the country are mostly new, the history of shopping centres dates back to at least a hundred years ago. Souqs were the main shopping destinations before Qatar’s economic boom in the 1990s, which led to the development of several modern shopping complexes. Still standing today, the Middle Eastern low-rising souqs such as the popular Souq Waqif feature several shops, selling an array of spices, delicacies, perfumes, jewellery, clothing and handicrafts.
Malls, department stores and other shopping centres
After the souqs came the malls and department stores. Qatar is known for a few home-grown luxury department stores. A notable example is Fifty One East (51 East), previously known as Modern Home, which has been operating since the 1950s. Today, the department store has branches in several places, both stand alone and in malls. 51 East is the flagship store of Lagoona Mall. 51east.com
It wasn’t until 1978 that Qatar saw the opening of the first shopping centre, The Centre. It is owned by one of Qatar’s largest business houses, Ghanem Al Thani Holdings, under the leadership of Sheikh Ghanem bin Ali Al Thani. The Centre today spreads across a sales floor of over 12,000 sq m with parking for more than 300 cars.
For several years, residents of Qatar would shop at either souqs or The Centre. In 1997, Equinox – the commercial real estate developer behind the upcoming North Gate Mall – developed the first modern retail development or shopping mall in Qatar. Located on D Ring Road, The Mall featured much of what is there today – Highland, Hallmark Cinema Land, Opera Café and more. It’s been recently slightly expanded with new restaurants and stores. themalldoha.com
Then came City Center Doha
Before the early 2000s, residents of Qatar could not obtain many top international brands locally, which led to people travelling abroad to purchase certain brands and products. Once 2000 rolled in, Qatar began a journey of developing an influx of shopping malls.
One of Qatar’s first malls is City Center Doha, which opened in 2001. Its opening was widely celebrated in Qatar as it was the first mega mall to open in the country.
In addition, City Center Doha opening was marked by the opening of the first Carrefour in Qatar. In addition to Carrefour, the mall was the first home to many popular international brands in Qatar such as Debenhams and Virgin Megastore.
At the time, the 300,000 sq m mall was considered the largest mall in Qatar and the ideal shopping destination, boasting several shops and restaurants, the largest cinema in Qatar featuring IMAX and 3D film screens for the first time in Qatar, the first ice rink, two of the largest indoor theme parks and play areas, and more.
City Center Doha was one of the few buildings that lit up Al Dafna, with nothing surrounding it, but for a few landmarks such as the nearby Doha Corniche and the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.
The five-star hotels that stand by the mall today, such as Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, City Center Rotana Doha, and JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, came much later. Other popular hotels and buildings that surround it today such as the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) did not exist then.
More than 20 years of City Center Doha
Today and more than 20 years later, City Center Doha is still one of the largest and most popular malls in Qatar, boasting nearly 300 shops and 85 restaurants. It provides a wide variety of famous international, regional, and local retail brands and services, spread across the five floors. It also features a range of leisure and entertainment activities, including Cineco Thirteen, a 14-screen cinema complex; Inflata Park, a 1,000 sq m inflatable park; and Fun City, one of the largest and first indoor amusement parks for children and families in Qatar.
In 2021, City Center Doha celebrated its 20th anniversary. It brought many new changes to the mall, including the opening 15 new restaurants; a new extension on the second floor with easy access to adjoining hotels Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, and City Center Rotana Doha; and a new outdoor area called Soho Square located near the entrance of the mall which features premium coffee shops, restaurants, outdoor seating and landscape overlooking a new water fountain.
Some of the new stores that opened recently include English Home, Adidas originals, Levi’s, H&M, Sushi Library, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, Tea Time, Krispy Kreme, &deli, Topazz, and Stenders, among other favourites.
More than 15 new restaurants, including Pizza Box, South Street Burger, KFC, Chef Alfareej and Cheese Fountain, have opened in a new food court area on the east side, as well as a kids’ playing area.
Also new at City Centre Doha is a gold market, which features gold shops from different countries in the region.
Throughout the year, visitors have the chance to witness a range of spectacular events, shows, and seasonal events and activities targeting different age groups.
The mall offers convenience with other services such as banks and ATMs, exchange and money transfers, travel agencies, courier services, watch and shoe repairs, prayer rooms, baby rooms, bathrooms and more, providing a one-stop spot for almost every need.
Parking at the mall is ample; however, it is paid parking. Car wash services are available at the parking area with additional charges.
For more information, visit citycenterdoha.com
Author: Ola Diab
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