1st ‘National Day Trade Festival’ to mark start of Shop Qatar
Asix-day National Day Trade Festival, running from December 15-20, will mark the start of Shop Qatar’s third edition, offering QR3mn worth of cash and car prizes, and an array of discounts for shoppers, it was announced.
The first edition of this initiative, organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in co-operation with the National Tourism Council (NTC), forms part of the Qatar National Day celebration aimed at further boosting trade activities across the country.
“Shop Qatar’s activities have been carefully curated to offer special offers for the bargain-hunter, the stylesavvy and the fashion-forward while also affording visitors and residents of all ages and interests various opportunities to join in celebrating this special season in Qatar,” Mashal Shahbik from NTC told a press conference.
She noted that Shop Qatar, the country’s only nation-wide shopping festival, will continue bringing a host of new features for residents and visitors to enjoy until January 20.
Faissal Alhaithami, media officer at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, explained that such large and firstof-its-kind initiative comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to organise events that reflect pride and joy during the National Day.
He stressed these kinds of programmes like the National Day Trade Festival “grants the retail sector and various private companies the opportunity to offer unprecedented discounts that promote domestic and international tourism, thus attracting residents and visitors during this period of the year.”
Shoppers can avail of discounts on a range of consumer goods from December 15 such as clothes, electronics, cosmetics and accessories for men, women and children at various malls.
Besides offering discounts and promotions, the festival’s 14 retail partners – Al Mirqab Mall, Al Khor Mall, City Center, Dar Al Salam Mall, Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, Mall of Qatar, Royal Plaza, Tawar Mall, The Gate Mall and The Pearl-Qatar – will also host exclusive entertainment and roaming mall shows for families and children.
The annual festival returns with more shopping offers, entertainment and fashion-forward events
Shop Qatar’s third edition will feature the ‘Design District’ for the first time – a hub for the festival’s fashion-forward events and activities, the National Tourism Council has announced.
NTC said the District, set up at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, will host not only pop-up shops and cafes but also more than 20 fashion shows, workshops and masterclasses under one roof from January 5 to 12.
“The festival supports malls as well as independent retailers and local entrepreneurs by offering a platform to showcase their businesses and products,” Shop Qatar project manager Noor alThani said in a press statement.
She noted that the District brings together the biggest names in fashion and makeup from the region and beyond aimed at “cementing Qatar’s position as an emerging fashion and style hub.”
Some 75 pop-up shops will be showcasing unique and varied offerings, as well as customised services and beauty services, designer boutiques, artisanal shops.
According to NTC, the fashion shows will wow shoppers, giving them the chance to catch a glimpse of the world’s latest couture and ready-to-wear fashion from Paris to Mumbai.
Some 16 designers from 10 countries (Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, France, India and Turkey) will highlight their spring/summer collections 2019.
Meanwhile, style-savvy festival-goers can take part in 10 workshops and masterclasses with 11 renowned makeup artists and influencers to learn about the newest trends in the world of fashion and makeup.
Apart from the District, Shop Qatar, which encourages residents and visitors to enjoy special experiences at malls, bazaars and in scenic outdoor spaces, is also once again partnering with Embrace Doha to give residents and visitors authentic shopping experiences at Souq Waqif.
NTC said guided tours will help festival-goers, mostly in groups, learn how to find their way through the traditional marketplace every Saturday, visiting each of the stalls that offer local and international food and spices, as well as other items such as incense, art works and clothes.
Live music concerts, featuring Pakistani, Indian and globally-renowned artists, will take centre stage during the final week of Shop Qatar.
Other festivities will also take place across the country during the 35-day celebration, including the Souq Waqif Spring Festival and Souq Al Wakrah Spring Festival; Torba Farmer’s Market at Qatar Foundation’s Ceremonial Court on weekends; Night Market at Duhail Sports Club daily from 4pm to 1am, and the Tegahwa’s daily coffee event at Al Hazm until January 19.
NTC said Entertainment World Village will reopen its doors to the public and local Arabic play Compars will take place at the Qatar National Theatre on January 5.
NTC said guided tours will help festival-goers, mostly in groups, learn how to find their way through the traditional marketplace every Saturday, visiting each of the stalls that offer local and international food and spices, as well as other items such as incense, art works and clothes.