As Qatar prepares to observe the holy month, Meerat Ramadan, organised by Katara the Cultural Village, has become a popular destination, especially for families who want to enjoy the weekend.
The idea behind Meerat Ramadan, according to Katara, was to offer low priced groceries until June 29. Katara noted that the market aims to further help families complete a bulk of their shopping at a single venue.
It is located at the southern part of Katara and offers products from participating Qatari food supply companies like Al Meera, Baladna Livestock Production, and Widam Food. Katara added that customers can buy assorted food stuff from the 35 shops in the area.
The venue also serves as a platform for many home-based businesses, many of whom are only available in their respective social media sites, to introduce their products outside the internet and meet customers in person.
Their products consist mostly of novelty gifts items, assorted souvenirs, children’s apparel, locally-designed women’s clothing, oudh incense and fragrances, honey, and homemade sweets and other food served during Ramadan.
“Because we have the opportunity to personally sell our products besides marketing them online, our presence at Meerat Ramadan will help create awareness of the range of quality Qatari-made items and homemade food available in the local market,” a business owner told Gulf Times.
Visitors will also appreciate the spacious venue and ample parking spaces. Meerat Ramadan also provides strategically-placed benches and tables where families can relax or eat while children enjoy games at the inflatable playgrounds.
The father of an Asian family said many of the products sold at major hypermarkets in the country are also available at Meerat Ramadan, “plus other amenities.”
“I also appreciate that many of the participating outlets offer either food or souvenirs that are unique and can only be found at Meerat Ramadan. It's also like going to a grocery store but the children have a playground where they can wait while we do our shopping,” he pointed out.
A staff from one of the participating food supply companies observed that the open air venue attracts many visitors.
“The weather is still quite pleasant starting in the late afternoons and that's when we start getting customers. Activities in nearby Katara also help draw in people to Meerat Ramadan. And since we're located just beside the beach area, we can also cater to those who want to eat or do some last minute shopping before going home,” she said.
