MIA Bazaar returns

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Bazaar returned to MIA Park Friday, offering an extensive selection of food and non-food items – from artwork, apparel and handicraft to an array of cuisines.A large number of residents and visitors thronged the reopening of one of the most anticipated marketplaces in Doha, which will run until March 2024.According to the organisers, this annual event ensures weekends filled with lively culture, art, and entertainment.It has firmly established itself as a key feature in Qatar’s cultural agenda, bringing together both locals and tourists for weekends of leisure and discovery."The MIA Bazaar serves as a nurturing ground for budding artists and entrepreneurs offering them a platform to showcase their craft and products,” IN-Q Enterprises (IN-Q) chief executive Kirstin Mearns told *Gulf Times.IN-Q is the commercial arm of Qatar Museums (QM)."It also fosters cultural exchange through the display of native items from various countries, evoking the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional Souq,” she said.Apart from shopping, visitors can indulge in a diverse selection of local and international traditional sweets/desserts, complementing the offerings from food trucks and kiosks spread throughout MIA Park.These include authentic street foods and snacks from various countries – prepared mostly by vendors from different expatriate communities."We are delighted by the enthusiastic response from artisans and entrepreneurs vying to be a part of the bazaar,” IN-Q Food and Beverage operations director Yves Godard said. "Starting with a hundred vendors on the first weekend, we are excited to announce that the second weekend will showcase an even more diverse array of talent with 150 stalls.”The MIA Bazaar provides an ideal escape for people of all ages, whether seeking a leisurely stroll or quality family bonding time, especially during the onset of cooler months.Organisers said that this family-friendly and free-of-charge event operates on Fridays from 2pm-10pm, and on Saturdays from 10am-8pm.