By Salman Siddiqui/Staff Reporter
Qatar’s first perfume exhibition was opened yesterday evening at Doha Exhibition Centre by Qatar Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Towar al-Kuwari. The event will continue until Sunday.
An official of White Hands Media, the main organiser of the exhibition, said more than 15 local and international companies were exhibiting their products at the event.
Eman Amna of White Hands Media said this was a first-of-its-kind exhibition to be held in Qatar and there were plans to organise it annually for the next five years. “The idea of the exhibition was to bring local and international companies, especially those operating in the Gulf region, under one roof,” she said.
Hani al-Mustafa, executive director Al Mamlaka Perfume Co, is one of the prominent local companies whose products are displayed at the exhibition. “Everybody in the Arab region is a fan of Oud (wood-based) perfumes and our company has engineered special perfumes to cater to this market,” he said.
Al-Mustafa is targeting the high-end market in the Gulf region and some of his perfumes start from QR2,000 for 50ml. He said Arab men look for simple yet strong Oud scents, while he mixes Oud scents with musk, rose and amber for the women’s range.
Originally from Syria, al-Mustafa is one of the success stories of entrepreneurship in Qatar. He came to Doha 10 years ago and worked in the perfume industry for five years before coming up with the idea of starting his own company. “Three years ago, I got this idea to start my own brand. I started small initially, but thanks to Allah I’ve been quite successful in a short span of time,” he said.
The young businessman has plans to expand in the entire region, including his war-torn home country. “One day, when there will be peace, I will make a special perfume dedicated to Syria,” he said.
Markaz Sabir, a brand from Kuwait, is also showcasing its products. The Marghoob brand for women and Ajaib for men are their most widely sold perfumes in Doha.
The Swiss Arabian brand is also present at the exhibition. One can buy Dehmal Oud-based perfumes in the range of QR90 to QR750.
Perfumes from Disney Land for children are also on display. Sales manager Shadi Rehman said Hello Kitty is the number one brand among girls aged three to six years in the Gulf, with Barbie coming in a close second. The Hannah Montana perfume for girls six to nine years old is also popular. Meanwhile, young boys opt for the Spiderman, Ironman and Hulk-branded scents.
“There’s a huge market for these products in Qatar and we see a lot of interest in our products, especially among parents of children who buy our products in bulk to distribute as giveaway presents in birthday parties,” he said.
Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Towar al-Kuwari visiting one of the stalls.
