Specialist souq for live falcons and falconry gear next to the Doha Falcon Hospital.
The Falcon Souq is a specialist market inside Souq Waqif in Old Doha, Qatar, dedicated to live falcons and the equipment of falconry. Falconry is a central part of Qatari and wider Gulf heritage, and the souq is where local falconers, hobbyists and breeders buy and sell birds. Visitors will see falcons perched calmly on blocks inside the shops, many wearing leather hoods, along with cages and display rows. Next to the souq is the Doha Falcon Hospital, a veterinary facility for falcons that runs tours for visitors, which gives context to the trade that a typical shopping stop lacks.
The shops sell birds of several species and ages, including saker and peregrine falcons, with prices that start around QAR 3,000 and can climb to many times that for prized birds. Accessories include leather hoods, jesses, leashes, perches, lures, transport boxes and small scales, with items typically costing QAR 50 to 300. Most visitors without a falconry licence will not buy a bird, but the hoods, lures and decorative items make distinctive keepsakes. Anyone considering a purchase should note that exporting live falcons requires permits and documentation, and Qatar enforces rules on wildlife trade, so such transactions are for licensed buyers.
Vendors here are mostly specialists, so the ratio of authentic goods to tourist trinkets is high compared with the neighbouring souvenir lanes. Prices are negotiated between buyer and seller, particularly for equipment, and shopkeepers often explain the species, age and training level of birds. Payment is by cash in Qatari riyals (QAR) or card at many shops, and larger transactions are normally arranged directly with the seller. Photography of the birds is usually tolerated, but asking permission first is polite, and visitors should not touch falcons without being invited.
The atmosphere is quiet and respectful rather than hectic, and the heat and noise of the main lanes recede inside the shops. Food is not sold in the souq itself, but the restaurants and cafes of Souq Waqif are a few minutes away on foot. Morning and late afternoon visits tend to be the most active.
| Hours | Daily roughly 09:00–12:00 and 16:00–21:00 (verify) |
|---|---|
| Price | Falcons from QAR 3,000 (~$820); hoods and accessories QAR 50–300 (~$14–82) |
| Address | Falcon Souq, Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar |
Location
Falcon Souq, Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
25.2862, 51.5337 View on map
Highlights
- See live falcons perched in specialist shops
- Browse falconry hoods, lures, perches and leather gear
- Learn about the sport from knowledgeable traders
- Pair the visit with the nearby Doha Falcon Hospital
Tips for visiting
- Ask permission before photographing birds and do not touch them uninvited
- Hoods and leather accessories are the practical souvenirs for most visitors
- Live falcon export needs permits, so check regulations before buying
- Negotiate on equipment prices, which are rarely fixed
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon when shops are open and the area is cooler
When to visit
Mornings and late afternoons in the cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable and active times.
Accessibility
The paved floors are level and the shops are small but generally reachable by wheelchair. Some shop entrances are narrow, so access varies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a falcon cost in the Falcon Souq?
Birds start from around QAR 3,000 and rise steeply for rare or well-trained falcons. Equipment such as hoods and accessories costs roughly QAR 50 to 300.
Can tourists take a falcon home?
Only with the correct permits and documentation, as live falcon export is regulated. Most visitors buy equipment instead.
Can visitors photograph the falcons?
Photography is generally tolerated, but asking the shopkeeper first is courteous.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Yes, the Doha Falcon Hospital is next to the souq and offers visitor tours that explain falcon care.