Doha, Qatar: As dawn breaks over Doha, the eastern square of Souq Waqif comes alive with a unique seasonal ritual that draws traders, chefs and curious consumers alike.
Every morning, the Souq Waqif Truffle Exhibition and Auction opens its gates, transforming the historic marketplace into a unified destination for sourcing some of the finest desert truffles in the region.
Now in its third edition, the exhibition and auction has firmly established itself as a key stop for truffle enthusiasts.
Significant quantities of truffles arrive daily from several Arab countries and are sold through an organised and transparent auction system. The process takes place under strict supervision, ensuring safety, quality and consumer confidence.
Specialised teams from the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry oversee pricing and fair trade practices, while health inspectors from the Ministry of Municipality closely monitor public safety standards and product quality. These combined efforts ensure that truffles are handled and sold in a safe, regulated environment that meets the highest standards.
Adding to the smooth operation of the event, the Private Engineering Office and Souq Waqif management have provided logistical support and organisational facilities that enhance the overall experience for both traders and visitors. From security and crowd management to customer parking and auction layout, the setting has been carefully designed to make the early-morning experience comfortable and efficient.
Jamal Al Ishaq, Supervisor of the Truffle Auction Square at Souq Waqif, highlighted the distinctiveness of this year’s edition. Speaking to Al Ryyan TV recently, he noted that the third edition marks a significant improvement over previous years, praising the strong coordination among four government entities, Souq Waqif management, and Private Engineering Office.
“This year’s organisation is different,” he said. “There has been tremendous cooperation from all sides, from security and parking arrangements to consumer protection and health inspections. The efforts made have truly elevated the auction.”
The daily auction attracts a steady stream of traders and consumers eager to purchase truffles, a delicacy highly prized across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the wider Arab world. Renowned for their nutritional value and distinctive flavour, truffles hold a special place in regional cuisine and cultural traditions.
According to Al Ishaq, Qatari consumers in particular have a deep appreciation for truffles, enjoying them regularly and often exchanging them as gifts. He explained that the most sought-after varieties include Zubaidi and white truffles. Currently, Saudi Zubaidi truffles dominate the market, with Algerian Zubaidi expected to arrive soon. Moroccan and Algerian truffles are also available, while Syrian and Iraqi varieties typically appear later in the season.
The Souq Waqif Truffle Exhibition and Auction will continue until the end of the truffle season.
Daily deliveries are received from 5am, with the auction commencing promptly at 8am and continuing until the available quantities are sold. As the season unfolds, the event remains a vibrant celebration of tradition, trade and taste, bringing together desert harvests and modern market organisation in the heart of Doha.
