Msheireb Downtown Doha competition winner named

Msheireb Properties (MP) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have announced the winning concept behind their SME (small and medium enterprises) competition to create a bespoke Qatari café and retail shop in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The new Qatar-inspired café and retail shop will open its doors “offering a fusion concept steeped in the rich culture and heritage of Qatar, complete with local produce and flavours, but with a touch of modernity”, according to a press statement.
The café and retail shop will be located on Al Kahraba Street in Msheireb Downtown Doha, which is home to boutiques, history museums, art and culture, and dining options.
Delivering a full brand identity as part of the competition, the winning concept – “Antarnash” – is inspired by one of Qatar’s old mining stories.
“Antarnash” is the Qataris’ early interpretation of the word “international”, which referred to the vehicle transporting local oil workers to the oil fields – a concept at the heart of the nearby world-class exhibition by Msheireb Museums at Company House, the statement explains.
This museum tells the story of the pioneering Qatari petroleum industry workers and their families, who helped transform the country into a modern society.
The café and retail shop, taking inspiration from this, will specialise in traditional Qatari food, desserts and pastries, with a modern twist both in taste and appearance.
It will also incorporate nuances of the Company House Museum in its theme, through the decoration and staff uniforms.
Abdulla Hassan al-Mehshadi, chief executive of Msheireb Properties, said: “We are honoured to announce ‘Antarnash’ as our Al Kahraba Street retail competition winner.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for a startup to bring its unique food and beverage concept to life in what will soon become a vibrant downtown retail and hospitality destination.”
QDB chief executive Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa added: “Our support for the ‘Antarnash’ café project is in line with QDB’s strategy to provide all types of support available to successful SMEs, by enabling them to establish and grow their presence in the local marketplace, as well as helping them boost their competitiveness and launch into global markets.”