The recently-launched Meerat Ramadan at Katara – the Cultural Village is not only a practical initiative to help families prepare for the holy month but also an effective platform for home-based businesses to expand their network and promote the ‘Made in Qatar’ brand.
Meerat Ramadan, which runs until June 29 at Katara’s southern sector, showcases various grocery items at low cost. Many Qatari food and beverage suppliers like Al Meera, Baladna Livestock production, Widam Food, and 35 other outlets are taking part in the event.
One of the home-based businesses participating is Marwad Qatar, which specialises in oudh incense and a range of oudh fragrances. Established four years ago, Marwad Qatar is getting an exposure outside its Instagram account (marwad_qatar22) for the first time, says its owner.
“We have been in the market for a long time now but the business is mostly online and we have decided to expand our network by going beyond social media and meet more customers outside the Internet,” the owner said.
Distinctive Touch's products incorporate traditional Qatari themes.
This was echoed by Nawal al-Mushaifri, who runs Distinctive Touch, which is also a social media-based home business specialising in unique clothing line and other personal accessories.
She said many home-based Qatari businesses are maximising the power of the Internet and many social media sites to reach out to customers. But al-Mushaifri noted that Meerat Ramadan is also an opportunity “to go beyond social media” and meet customers and would-be clients in person.
“We want to market our products and our Instagram account and this event serves as an opportunity to do that. And through this event, people will also get to know us outside WhatsApp and Instagram (@distinctive_touch). We hope to get more recommendations from other people who will visit us in Katara,” al-Mushaifri explained.
Self-taught photographer Reem al-Bader of Baby Mania Studio also stressed the importance and advantages of participating in events like Meerat Ramadan: “This is an opportunity for home businesses to promote their products and reach a wider audience. This is a good marketing campaign for them.”
Despite the challenges of running a home-based business, al-Bader said she gains inspiration from her family and especially from HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whom she described as her role models.
Aside from clothing, souvenirs, and other homemade products, Meerat Ramadan also offers popular food items like dates, sweets, dried fruit and nuts.
In a statement, Katara said the market aims to further help families complete a bulk of their shopping at a single venue.
During the inauguration ceremony, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti described the venture as “a one-stop place where visitors are welcome to enjoy a distinctive ambience that combines the experience of shopping with spirituality.”
One of the home-based businesses participating is Marwad Qatar, which specialises in oudh incense and a range of oudh fragrances. Established four years ago, Marwad Qatar is getting an exposure outside its Instagram account (marwad_qatar22) for the first time, says its owner.
“We have been in the market for a long time now but the business is mostly online and we have decided to expand our network by going beyond social media and meet more customers outside the Internet,” the owner said.
Distinctive Touch's products incorporate traditional Qatari themes.
This was echoed by Nawal al-Mushaifri, who runs Distinctive Touch, which is also a social media-based home business specialising in unique clothing line and other personal accessories.
She said many home-based Qatari businesses are maximising the power of the Internet and many social media sites to reach out to customers. But al-Mushaifri noted that Meerat Ramadan is also an opportunity “to go beyond social media” and meet customers and would-be clients in person.
“We want to market our products and our Instagram account and this event serves as an opportunity to do that. And through this event, people will also get to know us outside WhatsApp and Instagram (@distinctive_touch). We hope to get more recommendations from other people who will visit us in Katara,” al-Mushaifri explained.
Self-taught photographer Reem al-Bader of Baby Mania Studio also stressed the importance and advantages of participating in events like Meerat Ramadan: “This is an opportunity for home businesses to promote their products and reach a wider audience. This is a good marketing campaign for them.”
Despite the challenges of running a home-based business, al-Bader said she gains inspiration from her family and especially from HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whom she described as her role models.
Aside from clothing, souvenirs, and other homemade products, Meerat Ramadan also offers popular food items like dates, sweets, dried fruit and nuts.
In a statement, Katara said the market aims to further help families complete a bulk of their shopping at a single venue.
During the inauguration ceremony, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti described the venture as “a one-stop place where visitors are welcome to enjoy a distinctive ambience that combines the experience of shopping with spirituality.”