The Private Engineering Office announced on Wednesday that all shops in its traditional markets will be exempted from rents for a period of four months starting from April 1, 2020.

The old markets include Souq Waqif, Al Wakrah Souq, Old Al Khor Souq and Najada Souq as well as the shops around Souq Waqif such as Faleh Souq, Asiri Souq, Al Deera Souq, City Centre Souq, Nasser bin Saif Souq, in addition to other souqs under the supervision of the Private Engineering Office.

Mohammed al-Salem, Director of Souq Waqif and Head of the Old Markets Section at the Private Engineering Office, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the rent exemptions in these markets come in line with the directives of the wise leadership in the country, and an encouragement to the Qatari investors who showed a great understanding of the current situation related to tightening of preventive procedures against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

He stressed the Private Engineering Office's keenness on supporting all the efforts made by the State to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and adhering to the directions of the wise leadership in supporting tenants during this period.

Director of Al Wakrah Souq Khaled Saif al-Suwaidi said the Private Engineering Office is keen to adhere to all directives and guidelines related to the prevention of coronavirus in its markets, including the closure of shops covered by the decisions, as well as reducing the burden on tenants during this period by granting them four-month exemptions.