The vibrant open-air bazaar at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park.
Visitors to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park have welcomed the expansion of its bazaar from once to twice weekly with hundreds of people seen thronging the over 150 stalls taking part at the market yesterday.
When it launched in February 2012, the bazaar was held every first Saturday of every month, except in summer. Later it became every Saturday and just last week, it started operating on Friday and Saturday.
With a vibrant variety of products sold in each stall, the bazaar is a melting pot of trade and tradition as vendors sell products sourced from their home countries. Those in search of unique gifts, handicraft, works of art, jewellery, perfumes, toys, accessories, clothing and other souvenir items head to the market considered the country’s largest open-air bazaar.
“This is a must visit for families because it offers a number of options. While it is a place to buy many different products, it also offers a wide array of delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere for our kids to play,” said Annalyn, a regular visitor to the bazaar.
More people can enjoy the bazaar now because it is open on Fridays when majority don’t have work, she added.
While the bazaar acts as an ideal venue where many families enjoy their free time, it is also a place for friends to meet.
“Having a bazaar for two continuous days during weekends is a brilliant idea especially with the pleasant weather that we experience now. The stunning Museum of Islamic Art which is just beside the bazaar makes it even worth visiting,” said Edward, one of the visitors who came with a group of friends at the bazaar yesterday.
Located adjacent to the iconic MIA, the open air market offers spectacular harbour views and a modern take on Qatar’s souq tradition.
While the bazaar sells ready-made products at reasonable prices, there are also a number of stalls offering unique handicraft and artworks created by the skilled hands of residents, which makes the bazaar an excellent platform to showcase the ingenuity of emerging artists and artisans of Qatar.
It is also an ideal spot to sample authentic cuisine reflecting various cultures including Thai, Filipino, Syrian, Turkish, Indian and Qatari, among others.
Vendors were satisfied at the huge turnout of people who visited their stalls yesterday.
The bazaar is open from 3pm to 10pm on Fridays and from noon to 7pm on Saturdays until April.
