Shop Qatar is set to return from September 10 to October 10 with more than QR4mn worth of prizes at stake, and marks its international debut with the participation of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) at Hamad International Airport. The fifth edition of this month-long shopping and entertainment festival – themed 'One Festival. Countless Experiences' – will be the first major event taking place in the country in 18 months.
Shop Qatar 2021 will be held in 15 venues across Doha, offering discounts up to 90% at participating malls and retail outlets, in addition to fashion-forward and cultural events, concerts, workshops, and hotel and restaurant promotions. “As one of the most significant events in our annual calendar, Shop Qatar brings the best fashion, entertainment and retail offerings to the country, providing shoppers and visitors with more experiences, offers, and chances to win than ever before,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Akbar al-Baker, told a press conference yesterday.
“We are also going international as we welcome QDF at HIA to the festival for the first time,” he said, adding that shoppers will get a chance to win thousands of gift vouchers and avail a wide range of discounts at QDF.
“Although it is a local event, we have an international reach, and thanks to our borders which are now open, we look forward to welcoming friends and families not just from the Gulf countries but from across the world,” HE al-Baker noted.
He hoped Shop Qatar will encourage a boost to retail activity, local businesses, and the country’s economy, saying “it is a significant first step on the road to recovery and normality.”
HE al-Baker highlighted the key role played by Qatar government, particularly the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in preventing and controlling the spread of Covid-19, which resulted to a significant drop in Covid-19 cases in the country.
“Our infection rates are dropping rapidly, our vaccination rates are among the highest in the world, and that people are now getting confident, and the authorities are getting confident that we can gradually open up and attract people to our country in order for us to make our life as normal as possible,” he said.
HE al-Baker also thanked the efforts and continuous support of private and public sector partners from the retail and hospitality industries as Qatar Tourism marks the return of Qatar’s major events.
Four weekly raffle draws will take place during the festival with hundreds of prizes, including cash and cars worth more than QR4mn, can be won. To be eligible for the digital raffle draws, shoppers must spend QR200 at any participating retailer to receive a coupon.
More than 60 leading hotels nationwide will offer promotions and fun-filled activities for guests and visitors while shoppers will get the chance to win thousands of QDF gift vouchers.
The Shop Qatar Design Week will be held at Doha Design District at Msheireb Downtown Doha for the first time and host pop-up shops, design workshops, and two international fashion shows to mark the Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture.
Prominent musicians, designers, and artists will hold master classes, fashion shows, workshops, and music concerts at the festival, which will be attended by renowned American-Indian and New York-based fashion designer Naeem Khan and Bollywood celebrity designer Manish Malhotra.
According to Qatar Tourism, the Doha Design District will feature exclusive activations and pop-up shops from October 3 to 9 from 3pm to 10pm. It will host local entrepreneurs who will be showcasing their designs, international designers, various food and beverage outlets, and workshops organised by Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.
The District will also host other creative initiatives, “offering a space to visitors to exchange cultural activities and authentic craftsmanship.” (Details of the workshops will be shared on www.shopqatar.qa)
“This year’s Shop Qatar contains unmatched offers and experiences, with social distancing measures at all events and malls, in addition to successfully obtaining the Qatar Clean certification required for each participating hotel and restaurant. A key initiative by Qatar Tourism and MoPH, this initiative facilitates the return of in-person events, while maintaining health and safety,” HE al-Baker said.
He added that Qatar Tourism “continues to work closely with partners in the retail and hospitality sectors to develop more diverse festivals and events appealing to newer market segments, to encourage a boost in retail activity within the country.”
Retail partners include Al Khor Mall, City Center Mall, Doha Festival City, Ezdan Mall Al Gharrafa, Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah, Galleria Mall, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, Mall of Qatar, The Gate Mall, The Pearl-Qatar, Villaggio Mall, and QDF at HIA, while Qatar National and Convention Centre (QNCC) and Doha Design District Msheireb will also host events and activities.
All events will be held in adherence to guidelines by MoPH. Design workshops and masterclasses will be conducted with a limited number of vaccinated individuals, and music concerts will be held at 30% capacity at QNCC.