DOHA: Work has begun on a marriage hall complex in Al Wakra to cater to Qataris based in the southern areas of the country. The complex is expected to be ready in 18 months. Another complex is planned for the northern areas and that will be built in Al Dayeen. For Doha and surrounding areas, a five-hall complex to facilitate Qatari marriages has already been inaugurated.
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The hall complex is gaining popularity as most of them are booked until July. There are, though, few bookings in June.
On certain days of the week, like Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the complex is fully booked, according to the website of Al Rayan event management company.
The company has been assigned to manage the wedding hall complex, located at the entrance of Al Rafa Street on Doha-Al Shahaniya Road.
The marriage halls are being made for Qatari youths on the instructions of the top leadership of the country since renting private halls or hotels as marriage venues works out quite expensive.
Some estimates suggest that the rents of private halls and hotels for a night for wedding vary from QR150,000 ($41,192) to a staggering QR500,000 ($1,37,306).
They add up to the costs of a Qatari marriage, much of which should be borne by the groom and his family, according to the Qatari tradition.
A marriage ordinarily costs no less than a million riyals and much of it goes to pay for the wedding’s venue and banquet. The exorbitant costs are responsible for delayed marriages among the youth.
The marriage hall complex built by the government to help the community is given on a token rent to eligible Qataris (Qataris marrying within the community and for the first time).
The overnight rent is QR2,500 and a refundable deposit of another QR2,500 is to be made.
People must pay for food but since private caterers are given the premises free, including kitchen facilities, they must provide food for marriages at subsidized rates.
The low rent and food costs are making the halls tick, community sources say.
The Peninsula
