Entrepreneurship and Business |
First Edition of
Shop Qatar Festival
By all accounts, the
first Shop Qatar
Festival was a
resounding success.
Strategy, which aims to see the
tourism industry contribute more
than 5% to Qatar’s GDP by 2030.
Shop Qatar is one of several
programmes helping to reach this
target, while boosting the retail
industry and helping diversify the
country’s economy.
| Al Hazm Mall, Doha
Q
ataris have long been aware
of the wealth of local talent
and creativity their country has
to offer. shops across five malls. Visitors
were also treated to concerts,
comedy shows, and family
entertainment programmes.
As Qatar’s diverse retail sector
witnesses an exciting boom, these
home-grown talents are finally
being recognised internationally. Modelled on the successful
Dubai Shopping Festival, Shop
Qatar was lauded for positioning
Qatar as a shopping destination,
while showcasing the work of
Qatari designers and supporting
local businesses.
It was with this in mind that the
Shop Qatar Festival was conceived.
January’s month-long shopping
festival showcased 42 small
businesses through 30 pop-up
The festival was developed as part
of the Qatar National Tourism
By all accounts, the first Shop Qatar
Festival was a resounding success.
Qatar witnessed a significant
increase in visitors, the hospitality
sector enjoyed almost a three
quarters occupancy rate, and the
country’s retail and tourism sectors
were energised.
As Qatar looks towards its second
Shop Qatar Festival, this economic
and cultural event looks set to grow
in importance and help cement
the country’s position as a global
retail hub.
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