Souq Waqif set to host dates festival

All preparations have been made for hosting the 8th Local Dates Festival, the Souq Waqif Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office announced Tuesday. To be attended by more than 90 local farms, the festival, according to a press statement from the Private Engineering Office, will be held at Souq Waqif’s Al Ahmed Square from July 27 to August 5.
“The festival comes within the framework of the great interest that Qatar attaches to supporting and encouraging local production of all national products including dates. It’s held in conjunction with the season of date production in the country. Also, the festival, which is part of the efforts to achieve food security, is held with the interest and support of the Souq Waqif Organising Committee to develop the agricultural sector and support farm owners and those interested in palm cultivation. The festival aims to upgrade the varieties of dates and dates in Qatar,” the press statement said.
Khaled Saif al-Suwaidi, general supervisor of the festival, said the place designated for the festival is set to host the festival with all arrangements in place. “The tent is all set to receive the public at Al Ahmad Square. It will receive the public daily from 3pm until 9pm, except for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it is open until 10pm,” al-Suwaidi explained.
“Souq Waqif is keen to participate in organising the annual festival in order to support local farms,” al-Suwaidi said, adding that Souq is distinguished by being an important tourist attraction for citizens, residents and tourists alike. “Also, it’s unique with its distinguished location in the middle of Doha while making it accessible to all,” he noted.
Al-Suwaidi added that the 8th edition is se to witnesses the participation of local farms with all date and palm products that are produced locally.
The general supervisor explained that the Celebrations Committee has launched a competition for the best local dates for the first time. Rewards will be distributed to the first three winners as a gesture of support from the committee towards the farmers while supporting and encouraging the production of the best local dates.