Information
Landmark: Villaggio MallCity: Doha
Country: Qatar
Continent: Asia
Villaggio Mall, Doha, Qatar, Asia
Villaggio Mall – Doha, Qatar
Villaggio Mall is one of Qatar’s most iconic and visited shopping destinations, known for its extravagant Venetian-style architecture, extensive range of high-end and mid-range retail stores, and family-friendly entertainment offerings. Located in Aspire Zone, Al Waab Street, Doha, the mall combines shopping, leisure, and visual charm under one roof, making it a standout attraction in the city.
Architecture and Theme
Villaggio Mall is designed to mimic the romantic ambiance of Venice, Italy, with interior canals, arched bridges, and sky-painted ceilings that shift from day to dusk as you walk through. One of its most unique features is the indoor gondola canal, complete with traditional Venetian gondola rides, creating a tranquil and picturesque experience right in the heart of Doha.
Shopping
Villaggio houses over 220 retail outlets, offering a mix of luxury, fashion, electronics, home goods, and lifestyle brands. The shopping experience is divided into distinct sections:
Luxury Court: An upscale wing featuring designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Cartier, Rolex, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Main Mall Area: Includes mid-range international brands such as Zara, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Virgin Megastore, and Mango.
Hypermarket: Carrefour operates a large supermarket inside for grocery and daily needs.
Entertainment and Attractions
Villaggio Mall is not just a place to shop—it’s a full-scale entertainment complex. Key features include:
1. Gondolania Theme Park
A large indoor amusement park within the mall offering:
Roller coasters and thrill rides
Arcade games
Indoor bowling alley
Soft play areas for children
2. Gondolania Ice Rink
A full-size Olympic skating rink used for public skating and sometimes ice hockey matches or figure skating events.
3. Gondola Rides
Visitors can ride traditional-style gondolas through the indoor canal, adding a unique and peaceful break from shopping.
4. VOX Cinemas
A modern cinema complex featuring multiple screens, including 4DX and luxury VIP theaters, showcasing international blockbusters in Arabic, English, and other languages.
Dining Options
The food court and surrounding dining area offer a wide variety of choices, from international fast food chains to upscale sit-down restaurants. Options include:
Fast food: McDonald’s, KFC, Shake Shack, Pizza Hut
Cafes: Starbucks, Tim Hortons, PAUL
Restaurants: Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, Nando’s
Qatari and Middle Eastern cuisine also available
Visitor Facilities
Free parking with over 3,300 spaces
Valet and VIP parking available
Prayer rooms for men and women
Wheelchair accessibility throughout the mall
Information desks and guest services in multiple languages
Hours of Operation
Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location and Access
Address: Al Waab Street, Aspire Zone, Doha, Qatar
Metro Access: Easily reachable via Al Aziziyah Station (Gold Line)
Taxi and Rideshare: Uber and Karwa services are widely available
Located close to major attractions such as Aspire Park and Khalifa International Stadium
Important Note
In May 2012, the mall suffered a tragic fire incident resulting in 19 fatalities, which led to a temporary closure. Since then, the mall has reopened with enhanced safety systems, strict protocols, and fire prevention measures in place.
Summary
Villaggio Mall offers more than just retail—it’s a themed lifestyle destination that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment within a unique environment. Whether you're looking to shop designer brands, relax with family, enjoy gondola rides, or spend the day at an amusement park, Villaggio caters to all ages and tastes. It’s not only a commercial hub but also a cultural and visual experience for residents and tourists alike.