Villaggio Mall, Doha

Overview

Villaggio Mall is a large shopping and leisure centre in Aspire Zone, built to look like an Italian town. Streets of shops run under a painted sky, and a 150-metre indoor canal carries gondolas past cafés. There are more than 200 stores, from high-street names to luxury houses on Via Domo, plus restaurants, an IMAX cinema, an ice rink and the Gondolania theme park.

Go for a cool, easy day out, especially in summer. Families come for the rides, skating and gondolas. Shoppers come for the mix of brands under one roof. Entry to the mall is free, and you only pay for what you do. Aspire Park and the Torch tower are next door, so you can walk on the lawns once the evening cools.

History and background

Villaggio opened on 7 June 2006, the year Doha hosted the Asian Games in the neighbouring Aspire Zone. It was developed by Gondolania Entertainment and built on a single floor of about 90,000 square metres, with Italian-style streets, a canal and a painted ceiling.

On 28 May 2012 a fire broke out in the mall and spread to a children's nursery. Nineteen people died, thirteen of them children. The tragedy led to a national review of fire safety. The mall reopened in stages from September 2012 after safety upgrades.

Since then Villaggio has grown its luxury offer with the Via Domo wing, home to houses such as Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cartier. It remains one of Doha's best-known malls and a regular stop for families and visitors staying near Aspire Zone.

What to see at Villaggio Mall

1. Gondola rides

   A 150-metre indoor canal runs through one wing of the mall. Short gondola rides glide past shopfronts under the painted sky, and children usually love them. Buy tickets at the canal side.

2. Gondolania theme park

   The indoor theme park has a roller coaster, bumper cars, bowling, laser tag, a go-kart track, a 4D theatre and arcade games. Load credit onto a card and tap it for each ride.

3. Olympic-size ice rink

   Villaggio's rink is Olympic size and hosts public skating, lessons and ice hockey. Skate hire is available. It is a fun way to cool down on a hot afternoon.

4. Via Domo luxury street

   The mall's luxury wing groups big fashion and jewellery houses, including Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Bulgari and Cartier, in a calmer, high-end setting away from the busy main avenues.

5. Italian-style streets

   Walk the main avenues to see the Venetian-inspired shopfronts, bridges and painted ceiling. It is a popular photo spot, especially near the canal and its small bridges.

6. IMAX cinema

   The mall's cinema includes an IMAX screen, making it a good choice for new releases. Check current listings and book ahead on busy weekend evenings and holidays.

How to get to Villaggio Mall

Tips for your visit

• Gondola rides, skating and Gondolania rides cost extra; check prices at the counters.
• Gondolania sells an unlimited-ride card, often better value for children who want many rides.
• Weekend evenings are very busy; come on a weekday morning for easier shopping.
• Friday hours may differ, and times change in Ramadan; check before you go.
• Walk to Aspire Park after dark for fresh air and views of the Torch.
• Wear modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered is the norm in Qatar's malls.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions