Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, touring a stall after inaugurating the World Trade Festival 2014 at the festival tent in Al Waab Mahergh, in Doha yesterday.
DOHA: The World Trade Festival 2014 (formerly Doha Trade Fair), one of Qatar’s biggest shopping carnivals, yesterday opened its doors for visitors at the Waab Mahergh tent located at Al Waab area.
The 10-day fair that used to take place at the Doha Exhibitions Center until last year, is being held in a different venue, understandably, to overcome parking and other traffic related problems due to the ongoing construction works in the West Bay area.
The fair was formally inaugurated with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, in the presence of dignitaries from different organisations.
Over 200 companies from 20 countries are participating in the shopping-cum-entertainment festival. A wide variety of quality products are available for sale at over 250 stalls. Most of the products available at the fair are fashion and accessories, followed by some household items, readymade garments, perfumes, cosmetics and various food products.
Jaber Al Mansouri, Chief Executive of Maraya Public Relations, the organiser of World Trade Festival 2014, said: “We have products from some of the most famous fashion designers, Arab and international perfume manufacturers, furniture and décor items all under one roof.”
Al Mansouri said that apart from international companies, rhe fair has participation from large number of local firms from various sectors, including representation from small enterprises manufacturing handcrafts and other household items.
“We have allocated 24 shops at discounted prices to some local small companies and community institutions providing them the opportunity to market their products and compete with international players,” he said.
Mansouri also said that Maraya, as always, has the desire to bring a spirit of joy to the carnival by organising various cultural events and programmes for children and adults, which include performances by various bands such as Filipino acrobatic magician band, Iranian, Palestinian and Egyptian folklore which will take place everyday from 3pm to 10pm until the last day.
The festival will continue to open from 11am to 10pm until January 13. According to the organizer, there are gifts waiting for all visitors to the festival.
The Peninsula
