The original building is a specimen of traditional Qatari architecture and dates back to the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

[1] As it was a market used for trading activities, the area used to be located immediately on the shore to allow for boats to access it from Doha Bay.

Souq Waqif's position relative to the bay was significantly altered throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s due to land reclamation for the Doha Corniche, which shifted the coastline approximately 335 metres (1,099 ft) northward.

The phrase “Souq Waqif”, stems from the fact that traders used to set up shop at the gates to show off their wares.

The first phase of restoration was funded by the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

[5] The weekly market became a key spot for trade and for sharing news and information, which helped move not only physical things but also knowledge.

Souq Waqif was created over a century ago along the banks of the Msheirib wadi as a weekend trading center to allow commerce between Bedouins and the local populace.

Merchants and residents conducted transactions while standing because of the inundation of seawater on both sides of the Wadi, which had encroached upon the market.

When looking at the AFC Souq Waqif was a place that brought individuals from different backgrounds, and many different nationalities, where they gathered with their countries flag and sang chants to show their support.

During these events we saw the number of tourists increase significantly, as it was the place were fans gathered to chant together, and these celebrations stayed all night long.