Mohamed shows his Arabic Dream perfume at the Instagram Summer Market. PICTURES: Joey Aguilar
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
Qatari entrepreneurs have started showcasing some of their products and services at the Instagram Summer Market, which opened yesterday evening on Doha Corniche, in front of the Oryx statue.
The activity is an outdoor exhibition organised by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in collaboration with Bedaya Centre as part of the Qatar Summer Festival, which started on August 4.
At least 15 shops have joined the activity and will be open every weekend from Thursday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, until September 28.
Lady photographer Amina al-Buainain lauded the activity, saying young female Qataris like her now have the chance to promote their products and services.
“It is also one way to learn how to do business,” she said. Al-Buainain has set up a small photo studio at the venue where visitors can have their pictures taken wearing traditional Arabic clothes and costumes. The photographs can be printed instantly for a fee.
She said she wants to pursue her passion for photography and promote her town of Al Wakrah.
Al-Buainain, who has been taking pictures for the past three years, plans to open her own studio in Doha in the future.
She also believes in the power of social media, particularly Instagram, in marketing products as many Qataris are using it. Her Instagram account is @akkas.eyes
Like al-Buainain, another young female Qatari named Amira wants to open her own shop some day. She sells mobile phone covers with unique and glittering designs.
“I only started six weeks ago and I share my products on Instagram with friends and other people,” said the first-year college student.
Amira finds Instagram effective as compared to other social media channels in marketing products. Her Instagram account is A_ _ _ boutique
Some shops showcase different kinds of traditional female Arabic clothes (including maternity wear) with colourful and unique designs.
Meanwhile, Mohamed sells Arabic perfumes and traditional garments. The perfumes are under the brand name Arabic Dream.
Lebanese products such as sugar-free jams (pumpkin, dates, eggplant, nuts, strawberry), natural honey, authentic tea leaves, oils and dried herbs used for cooking are also featured at the Instagram Summer Market.
QTA has invited individuals who sell products on Instagram to take part in the activity.
Rashed al-Qurese, director of marketing and promotions at QTA, earlier noted that the initiative would help transform the virtual online business activity into reality.
“We thought that this would give them a practical platform to share their ideas with the public and to gain experience in real-life selling and marketing,” he said.
The daily colourful fountain show on the Corniche has also fascinated many passersby and people visiting the activity.
