By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

Shara Al Asmakh, one of the busiest areas in downtown Doha, is set to lose some well-known retail and food outlets that have become an integral part of the neighbourhood over the years.

The shops, some of which have completed 50 years or more, will cease to operate from the area as a demolition drive is set to start there as part of a major urban development project.

For many Doha residents, particularly old-timers, visiting Shara Al Asmakh continues to be a regular affair despite the arrival of swankier and larger shopping centres in the city.

Traffic congestion is common along the narrow road but it doesn’t deter residents from thronging the place in large numbers. From having sumptuous dishes to getting a haircut and buying air-conditioners and other home appliances, people visit Shara Al Asmakh for a variety of purposes. They can also get a good deal on different types of products, it is learnt.

Among the shops that are about to shift from the area are Bashir Radio and Pakistan Sweets, both of which have completed several decades in the area. The two outlets are well-known establishments, which a large number of city residents are familiar with and visit regularly.

Speaking on their plans, the shops’ owners said while things would not be the same for them, they were hopeful that their reputation and popularity would help them withstand such challenges wherever they went.

Bashir Radio outlet has been operating from the same address in Shara Al Asmakh since its establishment over 60 years ago. Its owners have identified a new location in Najma, where they expect to start functioning in a couple of months.

Pakistan Sweets, on the other hand, was set up in 1964 near the present location of Doha Bank’s main branch on Bank Street. It shifted to its current address some 38 years ago. Soon, it is expected to relocate to Mughalina near the Sana signal due to the impending demolition in Shara Al Asmakh, it is understood.

“We are happy that our present shop is among those establishments that have contributed a lot to make this location popular among the city’s residents over the years,” said Nabil Malik, who owns Pakistan Sweets along with his brother Tariq.

Obaid Ahmed, who manages Bashir Radio, echoed similar sentiments.

“Old-timers used to say that ours was the only electronic shop in this area when my grandfather set up Bashir Radio in the early ’50s on his arrival here from Pakistan,” said Ahmed, recalling how the shop became well-known among the city’s residents.

He said though his shop is located in a congest    ed area where traffic could be a big problem, it has never affected business as a large number of clients are walk-in customers and, “more importantly, long-time friends”.

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