Originally Posted by
mecabq
Well, I live in Doha, too, and I know that the vast majority of people who hang out at Souq Waqif are locals (let's face it, there are not an appreciable number of tourists in Qatar anyway). Do you think that it's tourists buying textiles, other apparel items, cheap manufactured goods from China, housewares, spices, etc. from the souq? And 80% of people who live in Doha are expatriates, so, yes, I count them as locals, too. That's what's nice about the souq -- the restaurants are touristy (and not very good), but besides that it is a local place that reflects modern Qatar.
I agree about Musheireb especially as the old-fashioned local place, and I enjoy walking around there, too. But for a tourist (especially one who has experience in the region), it's not too exciting. The souq is a good balance -- a legitimately local scene that is also interesting for visitors.
A group of reconstructed buildings, a cluster of shops that sell goods that even few locals buy there, and some touristy restaurants - you already name most - and that's still a nice local place that reflects Doha?! Do I miss something?
If I'm a more-than-frequent traveller (which I am), I shall look further and deeper in a new place. Thus, as a local, I'd rather give a different perspective for people rather than pointing at a place, saying that looks nice, looks local, and letting tourists feel that they've been here.
How many % of Doha can it represent?