Al Hamba Festival kicks off at Souq Waqif

The Al Hamba Festival (mango festival), kicked off yesterday (June 27) at Souq Waqif, featuring a wide variety and diverse flavours of Pakistani mangoes.

The event, which marked the start of a vibrant celebration of Pakistani mangoes, as well as seasonal fruits such as falsa, jamun, and peaches, was attended by dignitaries, including HE the Director of Protocol Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo; Private Engineering Office managing director Nasser Rashid al-Naimi; Pakistani ambassador Muhemmed Aejaz; several ambassadors from various missions in Doha; and other guests.

“We are launching and organising the maiden Pakistani mango show. Pakistan is one of the largest producers and exporters of mangoes in the world, and like many other things, Pakistani mangoes are considered the best in the world,” ambassador Aejaz said on the sidelines of the festival.

The 10-day festival, organised by the Pakistan embassy in Doha in collaboration with the Celebrations Organising Committee of the Private Engineering Office (PEO), will run until July 6. It seeks to promote Pakistan’s agricultural legacy by highlighting its delectable and varied culinary traditions.

This unique event also promises to delight mango enthusiasts and food lovers with a diverse array of mango varieties, including Chaunsa, Safeed Chaunsa, Sidhri, Anwar Ratool, and Duseri, among others.

Ambassador Aejaz noted that around 48 companies are participating in the festival, each offering various versions of Pakistani mangoes. He pointed out that the festival underlines how mangoes are an integral part of Pakistan’s cultural identity.

“The participating companies have different numbers of stalls and are ensuring that they not only bring the best mangoes but also create more cultural and commercial linkages with potential importers in Qatar,” he said.

Organisers noted that the festival, taking place for the first time in Doha, serves as a platform to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Qatar and Pakistan through the universal language of food.

The event provides an opportunity for families to spend their summer together and create an enjoyable experience with its diverse offerings

Visitors to the festival can explore around 100 outlets, featuring the finest Pakistani mangoes and other seasonal fruits. In addition, it also presents numerous traditional Pakistani dishes, sweets, and modern interpretations of classic recipes, available for tasting. A celebration of Pakistani culinary heritage also takes place, with local restaurants and cafés presenting a diverse menu of traditional dishes.

Apart from fresh mangoes and traditional cuisine, the festival includes processed foods and dried mangoes, highlighting the diverse range of available mango-based products. It also hosts exhibitors, including importers, retailers, and exporters, fostering a vibrant commercial atmosphere.

A unique display from Desert Green Qatar, a nursery showcasing the best in agricultural practices and innovations, is one of the highlights of the festival. Pakistani handicrafts are featured, giving visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural craftsmanship of Pakistan.