IKEA in Qatar

We decided to go to IKEA this weekend just to find out what the brouhaha was about and it turned out to be a very interesting experience!

We spot it, we spot it!

The store is located along the Festival City. It is not easily accessible but there was no trouble getting there or parking which was a huge relief. As soon as you enter IKEA, the most unexpected thing that hits you, is the aroma of food. It just smells so good that you cannot help making a mental note to try something out at the end of your shopping escapade.

The range of products is wonderful and the pricing is very reasonable, which is the cherry on the cake of the entire experience. You can set up your entire house by shopping at this one store. They have everything from spoons to chopping boards to mattresses to sinks and soap dispensers. The layout of the store is easy to understand and they also provide various stands with maps and instructions as to what to do.

The staff is very helpful and courteous. We were particularly impressed with the readily available tape measures, pencils and notepads. After all, those are extremely essential while furniture shopping. IKEA also provides you with consultation areas where professionals help you best figure out the layout of your kitchen and recommend the best way to set it up.

After walking through most of the display area and making all the mental additions to our lust list, our appetite was rearing to go. We decided to head to the IKEA restaurant. The self-service counters are efficient but you need to keep your eyes open or you might miss the occasional essentials like glasses for your drinks or the pre-packed salad at the start of the line. Once again, reasonably priced and fairly good meals hit our checkboxes. Obviously you cannot expect a gourmet meal at a furniture store, but we were pleasantly surprised with the menu available. Grilled Salmon with sautéed veggies, Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, Crusted grilled fish with vegetables, it all sounded good. There was also a soup counter, salad counter, dessert counter and a kiddies section. Once we finished our meal we were satiated and ready to go to pick up our purchases.

Interesting cabinet options

The lower floor has the pick-up area where you get to grab all the things you have seen and liked in the above display area. It was well organized and straight forward. Even if you have decided not to buy anything, while going through this area your will power will be tested to the T.

We picked up some gorgeous chopping boards and a shoe cabinet. That was just the beginning. We know we will be back there for more.

 

Doha Diaries recommends that you go there on a weekday to beat the crowds and make the best of your trip there. An average meal for 3 would cost around 75 QAR.