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CATHERINE GICHUKI
DOHA
A TRADITIONAL souq is one of the major attractions of the ongoing Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) at the Summer Entertainment City at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
The souq features about 140 stalls displaying an array of items such as perfumes, oils, spices, toys, clothes, accessories and paintings among others from different parts of the world, including Turkey, Kuwait, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan, India, Thailand and Lebanon.
Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), the Summer Entertainment City at DECC, one of the main venues for Qatar's longest festival QSF, is delivered by QSports.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, QSports Founder and Board Member Adil Ahmed said the souq is getting increasingly popular among visitors."Besides, we have planned a campaign to promote the souq. Initially, the souq did not attract large number of visitors as people had their own plans for Eid holidays, but it is picking up well now."
Murad, a trader at Natural Rose Shop stand, which has displayed Turkish products such as perfumes, argan oil, showergel, shampoo and other cosmetics, said that they were happy with the response of people."We have been coming to Qatar for the last three years and the sales have been good."
Another trader at Khayrat Gabal Lubnan stand Aimad said that he expected the sales to increase substantially in the coming days. The stall deals in homemade items such as olive oil, jam, chili sauce and za'atar.
Taweesak, who has displayed handmade clothes from Thailand at his stall called Tuk Tuk, said that his items were of good quality with prices ranging between QR55 and QR500.
Another trader at Ala Kellah, which deals in gold plated ornaments such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and tiara and pearls, said,"I came specifically from Kuwait for this exhibition."
Hannah at 1001s nights (Elfuleilaoleila) stall, which displays oud, bukhoor, body, hair and room sprays among other fragrances, said,"Our items are natural and homemade. The business is good. We come here every year."
Mohamad Kamal, who has exhibited assorted toys from China, remarked,"The business here is good. We have a shop at the Dragon Mall."
The Summer Entertainment City is open daily from 2pm to 11pm. An individual entry ticket costs QR15 and a day pass is available for QR150. Individual game prices range from QR10 to QR35. The festival will continue until August 31.
