Stand-up comedian Hamad Al Amari, addressing the audience at the opening of Shop Qatar. Pic Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Shop Qatar, the first nationwide extravaganza of great bargains, promotions, prizes and fun began last evening with an elaborate inaugural event at the Oasis in Mall of Qatar.
The first edition of the festival focusing on retail sector in the country, was inaugurated by Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority and Ahmed Al Mulla, CEO, Mall of Qatar.
The colourful opening ceremony enthralled the audience with the traditional sword dance, entertainment, fireworks and many surprises. The festival kicked-off with a grand opening featuring local stand-up comedian Hamad Al Amari and a concert by Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi.
From shopping, to culture, to tourism and entertainment the festival under the theme ‘A Brand New Tradition,’ offers something for everyone.
With the festival set in motion, retail outlets around the country will provide discounts of up to 50 percent on a range of consumer goods including clothes, electronics, cosmetics and accessories for men, women and children. In addition to Mall of Qatar, Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall, Gulf Mall, Landmark, Dar Al Salam Mall, The Gate and The Pearl-Qatar are also participating in the festival activities.
Shop Qatar also features some 30 pop-up shops spread across various shopping centers in the country, featuring local products designed by students of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and other local designers. The festival will bring in latest trends in fashion by local and regional designers in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Shoppers who spend QR200 at participating retailers can enter a weekly raffle draw for a chance to win QR 4m in prizes and a jackpot prize of QR1m.
Public celebrations at Doha Corniche will be held from January 12 to 14, where several food trucks and stalls will be serving delicious treats to the public from 4pm to 10pm, ahead of a spectacular fireworks display.
Shop Qatar will offer a rich array of live cultural shows, performances by singing sensations and unlimited family-friendly entertainment in a festive, safe environment that reflects local culture and heritage. Cats, the longest-running show on Broadway, will show at Qatar National Convention Centre. Music sensations Majid Al Muhandes and Hussain Al Jassmi will serenade their fans at the Arabic Night’and Khaleeji Night concerts.
QTA has partnered with Qatar Airways to offer 25 percent discount on flights to Qatar from within the GCC region booked on the airline between January 7 and February 7. Members of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club will receive double Q-miles on their bookings during Shop Qatar.
Visitors can also avail of accommodation offers when booking through Expedia.com.
The festival also offers cultural shows, performances by singing sensations and family-friendly entertainment.
The public can enjoy the African Circus evening shows daily at Hyatt Plaza’s outdoor area. Family-friendly entertainment can also be found at Magical Festival Village located close to Katara.
From February 2 to 4, Shop Qatar will feature the first winter edition of Doha Comedy Festival, bringing together 15 stand-up comedians from nine countries. The Festival will host world-renowned stand-up comedian and international TV host of ‘The Daily Show’ – Trevor Noah and the British comedian, ventriloquist, and winner of Season 10 of America’s Got Talent - Paul Zerdin.
