The second edition of Mahaseel Festival kicked off Saturday at the southern area of Katara – the Cultural Village, offering a wide range of fresh produce and dairy products from local Qatari farms and companies.

HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani, assistant undersecretary for agriculture and fisheries affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, together with Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, inaugurated the event. It will run until December 27.


Ornamental plants attract many festival-goers at Mahaseel. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar


Some 22 Qatari farms and six national companies in the food production sector showcasing high quality products at the event. PICTURE: Jayan Orma


An array of fresh produce showcased at Mahaseel. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar


Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti offered fresh milk at the Baladna stall. PICTURE: Jayan Orma


From January 2018 onwards, Mahaseel will take place every weekend, from Thursday to Saturday, until the end of March with 22 Qatari farms (30 stalls) and six national companies in the food production sector showcasing high quality products.
In a statement, HE Sheikh Dr Faleh said that participating Qatari farms and dairy companies offer a variety of the finest fresh produce, milk and other dairy products at a reasonable price.
He cited Mahaseel’s important role in promoting and supporting local products for the country to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and distribution.
“The Ministry succeeded in co-operating with Katara through this programme in serving the community,” the assistant undersecretary noted.
Mahaseel’s second edition was launched this month following the positive response the first edition received from the public early this year, achieving national recognition for offering “excellent quality farm produce and livestock” and featuring educational activities for families and children.
Dr al-Sulaiti noted that Mahaseel has become one of the most important festivals launched by Katara, which now serves as an effective marketing platform for local farm owners and entrepreneurs.
“Katara has been successful in its initiative to support national products, which contributes in realising the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said, as he thanked the Ministry of Municipality and Environment for “its fruitful co-operation with Katara to achieve the mutual goal of promoting national products and serving the Qatari society.”
The festival’s opening on Saturday also saw many families buying pesticide-free vegetables such as capsicum, cucumber, broccoli, string beans, tomatoes, jalapeno, and eggplant, among others.
A number of stalls sell fruits, dates and honey, as well as poultry products such as chicken and eggs, while Baladna offers fresh milk, cheese and other dairy products. Different ornamental plants are also on offer at the event.
Festival-goers can also try some of the local dishes, snacks and drinks offered at the festival.
According to Mahaseel’s organising committee chairman Sulaiman al-Nuaimi, the event will also organise a series of educational activities such as lectures on agriculture, bee-keeping and healthy nutrition. Some of the topics include how to store vegetables and fruits, and planting gardens.
He added that Mahaseel will also witness students and children taking part in various competitions and art workshops, apart from recreational activities for all ages.
Katara also built a hospitality area for families to rest and relax while having some tea or coffee before or after shopping. The festival will be open to the public from 9am to 10pm.

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