More than 200 exhibitors from 25 countries from around the world will take part in Qatar’s first and largest Ramadan Market, scheduled to open on Friday (May 10) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
Organised by QSports in collaboration with United Expo, the 21-day market will offer visitors an array of products from Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and India, among others. It occupies DECC’s Hall 3 and 4 and will be open between 2pm and midnight until May 30.
“Shops will be selling perfumes, jewellery, garments and fabric, food products, home decor, and many more. We are covering nearly all sectors,” QSports business development manager Aya Kassab told reporters on Thursday.
She noted that the Ramadan Market aims to support home-based, as well as small and medium enterprises, who will have the opportunity to promote and showcase their products.
Apart from a wide range of items and delicacies at the food court, the event also features numerous family and children’s activities and skill games with its ‘purpose built kids area’, featuring the world’s largest bounce castle.
“The Ramadan Market is more than just a shopping extravaganza; it’s an opportunity to simply relax, eat some good food, get an adrenaline rush while playing exciting games and basically spend some good family time,” Kassab explained.
She cited the importance of indoor entertainment especially during the summer, providing individuals and families with a fun-filled consumer fair with diverse range of interests.
Kassab added that the market has been designed to give “a complete family package and a fun night out entertainment.”
More than 20% of the 200 shops consist of local enterprises from Qatar while the rest are from different countries in the region and beyond.
Kassab lauded the government’s efforts in promoting and supporting small businesses saying it encourages and provides more opportunities for growth.
“Such a move is very amazing, that makes you feel secure for the future in Qatar even with the blockade,” she said, adding that they plan to make the Ramadan Market an annual event like other QSports-organised initiatives.
“We are looking forward for a long term plan like other successful events that we did such as the Summer Entertainment City at DECC, which is going to start right after Ramadan,” Kassab said.
The market, she pointed out, promises people a festive ambience and is set to stand out because of its "novelty and wholesomeness.”
“It’s been a great journey for Ramadan Market which has the potential to grow even bigger next season,” she said.
