A view of the night market in Duhail.
Doha: The festive lights and glowing signs shine bright on a Ramadan night. Cafes, caravans, and mini-restaurants animate the open area in front of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium as cars start pouring in.
Amid the new COVID-19 related restrictions, the Duhail Night Market remains open for the hungry road wanderers. But fear not, the establishment has ensured strict respect of the sanitary protocol while allowing its customers to enjoy the vast culinary choice offered by its many restaurants.
The clients can no longer enter the buildings, but ordering via the drive-through remains open. Some pre-order by telephone and arrive to fetch their dishes; others visit the Market, making their choice on the spot. Remaining in vehicles, the drivers stop in front of the restaurants as waiters go out to meet them and receive orders.
Masks should be worn while speaking to the employees from the car. Those craving the Market’s delicacies from the comfort of their homes could use the delivery services proposed by many of the present restaurants.
“Everyone is very serious about the sanitary measures,” affirms one of the delivery workers. “The employees wear gloves and masks. The Market is functioning very well; we still have a lot of customers!”
The fact that the Night Market remains open is a stark contrast to last year’s lockdown, where all businesses had to stop working temporarily, relying mainly on online orders. The decision to keep the restaurant industry opened highlights Qatar’s goal to preserve the economy while adapting sanitary measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“Many businesses were forced to close. I am so glad our restaurant remained open, and I get to keep my job,” smiled one waitress.
The Night Market’s availability is also a welcome opportunity for the customers who search for evening hangouts. Although they may not stay and enjoy dishes and beverages with their friends, visiting the place is still reminiscent of the times before the pandemic.
The Market boasts a range of coffee shops, chip shops, pizzerias, and different restaurants with savuory cuisines. The drives to these often-themed cafes are a part of the Doha nightlife culture, especially emblematic of the younger generations. But the employees also speak of the Market’s popularity with other age demographics.
“It is good that the place is open, while the sanitary measures are respected,” admits one customer.
“I can enjoy my drink. Since I am alone in the car,” he adds reassuringly.
While awaiting the arrival of his Spanish latte, another customer shared his enthusiasm for the future of the Night Market: “I am very excited about the FIFA World Cup 2022. I think this place would be popular with the tourists during the event. It should be expanded a little, and more restaurants should be added.”
At its peak hours, from 9 pm to midnight, the Night Market is swarming with vehicles. As its name suggests, it continues functioning throughout the night, especially in the month of Ramadan. During this period, the place starts its services at 3pm and closes at 3am, a little before the Fajr prayer.
