The Souq Al Wakrah Spring Festival 2017 has given Qatari entrepreneurs, mostly women, the opportunity to further promote and showcase their products to residents and visitors.

The festival is showcasing the full potential of the area to become a popular tourist destination like Souq Waqif, which regularly hosts similar events.
Speaking to Gulf Times, Qatari fashion designer Nouf al-Emadi, who opened her shop at Souq Al Wakrah last month, said she finds the place enticing to both entrepreneurs and families due to its wide range of offerings.
“Souq Al Wakrah has its own charm and beauty, and I encourage people to explore several shops and other businesses in its inner sections that showcase locally-made products,” she noted.
Al-Emadi’s collection includes an array of hand-made abayas and female clothing with peacock-inspired designs, accessories, and turbans, which are also posted on her Instagram and snapchat accounts.
The Qatari entrepreneur hopes that such festivals will continue year-round at Souq Al Wakrah to continuously attract domestic and foreign visitors, helping to boost their sales during off-peak periods.
An employee of an abaya shop, operating for more than two years now, echoed al-Emadi’s view saying the Spring Festival provided a “sigh of relief” for many retailers particularly during the weekends.
The first weekend of the festival had seen an influx of visitors, many from Doha, who spent their time watching the programmes and shows.
Waiters and waitresses of some restaurants said they have been receiving many families from neighbouring GCC countries, mostly from Saudi Arabia.
“We normally get more customers in the winter and take advantage of the season to complement the slowdown in the summer,” an employee added.
But this year, she cited a huge increase in the number of visitors compared to same period in 2015 and 2016.
“It is because of the festival,” she stressed. “Many families prefer to stay in a place where they can relax, dine, shop, and offer something for their children.”
The Spring Festival features a variety of entertainment and cultural performances, including an operetta that highlights Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, which cater to all ages.
A play area for children, animal show, exhibitions, pony riding, horses and camel walkway, and a fireworks display in the evening also held at the venue.
“Souq Al Wakrah is an ideal venue for major events and festivals in Qatar and it also has a huge parking area that can accommodate a large number of motorists,” said an employee of a perfume shop.
He hopes that tour operators in the country will also promote and include the destination in their package.

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