Doha
Many of the "single" expatriate men who used to throng the erstwhile National and neighbouring areas in Msheireb could be seen gathering in Mansoura and adjacent localities in large numbers, particularly in the evening during weekends.
While many low-income "single" workers continue to visit the Msheireb area to spend their evenings, several others have stopped going there in view of a "slowdown" in commercial and retail activities there in recent times, it is learnt. This, in turn, is the outcome of large-scale demolitions and ongoing development/infrastructure works in the area.
With their once-favourite weekend destination slowly losing favour, Mansoura emerged as a viable alternative. Conveniently located and easy to access, the area gradually witnessed a spurt in retail activities, giving "single" workers a wide range of "affordable" options to choose from.
Traders operating in Mansoura say the movement of workers - from Msheireb - has largely benefited the area as many new shops and eateries have opened there over the past couple of years. As a result, various neighbourhoods in Mansoura wear a bustling look in the evenings, along with Najma, another old favourite of "single" men.
The relocation of money exchanges to the area in view of demolitions in other parts of the city is seen as one of the key factors that have contributed to the large-scale bachelor movement to different parts of Mansoura and its neighbourhood, including Ibn Dirham.
An official at one of the exchanges that shifted from the National area said the number of customers on weekdays has risen significantly since they moved to the new location. Another exchange is expected to move to the area shortly, it is found.
Sources said while the crowds at Msheireb were big usually on weekends, places like Ibn Dirham are visited by a considerable number of "single" workers on weekdays as well.
Expatriates from a particular South Asian country have started some five restaurants in Ibn Dirham and neighbouring areas within just a year, it is understood.
"We used to visit the old National area earlier but stopped going there a few months ago. Now, we prefer visiting Mansoura, particularly the Ibn Dirham neighbourhood, as it has most of the things that we require. It also feels less congested than Msheireb and the traffic is smoother," said an expatriate who regularly visits the area.