The opening at Mall of Qatar’s (MoQ) Oasis will see Qatari stand-up comedian Hamad al-Amari entertaining spectators and giving a preview of the winter edition of the Doha Comedy Festival scheduled from February 2 to 4.
Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), the first edition of Shop Qatar will also treat visitors at MoQ with a live performance of renowned Qatari singer Fahad al-Kubaisi, as well as other accompanying shows.
“Shop Qatar showcases the best Qatar has to offer in retail and entertainment while capitalising on the country’s pleasant winter weather,” QTA festivals and tourism events director Mashal Shahbik said in a statement.
Apart from the big discounts and promotions offered by outlets at participating malls, the festival will also feature several food trucks and stalls on the Doha Corniche from January 12 to 14.
According to QTA, these outlets will offer a variety of cuisines and snacks between 4pm and 10pm, ahead of the fireworks display, set to light up the evening sky close to the Mourjan restaurant.
QTA noted that the festival will also showcase an array of cultural shows and performances led by popular singers.
From January 8 to 21, visitors will have the chance to watch the African Circus in the outdoor area surrounding Hyatt Plaza in the evening. Shows will be held from 6.30pm to 8pm on weekdays and from 5.30pm to 9pm on weekends.
“Family-friendly entertainment” will be hosted by festival partner Magical Festival Village, located close to Katara – the Cultural Village. It houses more than 400 shopping outlets and dozens of cafes and restaurants, and bordered by public seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the ambience and lovely climate.
The festive mood continues during weekends with award-winning music sensations Majid AlMuhandes and Hussain al-Jassmi performing at the ‘Arabic Night’ and ‘Khaleeji Night’ concerts scheduled for two Fridays, January 20 and 27 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Theatre.
Broadway’s longest-running musical, Cats will also perform at the QNCC Theatre from February 1 to 4. The Doha Comedy Festival, led by al-Amari, will bring together a special lineup of 15 stand-up comedians from nine countries.
Discounts from Jan 7 to Feb 7
Taking place from January 7 to February 7, Shop Qatar offers residents and visitors discounts on popular brands, and raffle draws with cash prizes worth QR4mn.
Retail outlets around the country will be giving away discounts of up to 50% on a range of consumer goods, including clothes, electronics, cosmetics and accessories for men, women and children.
Festival partners include Mall of Qatar, Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall, Gulf Mall, Landmark, Dar Al Salam Mall, The Gate and The Pearl-Qatar.
To support local talent and budding businesses, the festival will feature 30 pop-up shops spread across five malls. Regionally-acclaimed designer brands such as Maryam al-Darwish, HZ by Hissa Zainal and Fanilla Couture will showcase their latest collections.
Shoppers who spend QR200 at any of the participating retailers can enter a weekly raffle draw for a chance to win cash prizes worth tens of thousands of riyals and a jackpot prize of QR1mn.
QTA has partnered with Qatar Airways (QA) to ensure flights to Qatar from within the GCC region, booked on the airline for the period between January 7 and February 7, have a 25% discount. Members of QA’s Privilege Club will receive double Q-miles on their bookings during the month-long event.
Visitors to Shop Qatar can also take advantage of a range of accommodation offers, when booking through Expedia.com.
