Where the ongoing Summer Entertainment City (SEC) has brought in different kinds of attractions and entertainment for visitors, it has also provided an opportunity for many small businesses to have market exposure and establish their independent brands.
The entertainment city that will continue till August 31 has so far seen many local products. Small shops and cafes are selling different food products, prepared locally. The most prominent and interesting among them is an ice-cream brand that prepares its product with camel milk.
Camels Back is a local company that has prepared, first of its kind as claimed by the producers, an ice cream using camel milk. The company obtains the milk from the local farms.
Pearly white, with hint of saltiness and immediately vitalising, Camel’s milk contains five times the vitamin C of cow’s milk with stratospheric levels of immune boosters, plus high concentrations of vitamins B and D.
Talking to Community, Ghanim al-Mohannadi, owner of the business, said, “We are offering a very unique product. We are the first company to launch the camel milk products in Qatar. So far, we do not have any competition.”
About the response of the people to his products, he said, “It is our second year at SEC. Our customers are happy and satisfied with the products. Even at our shop in Doha Convention and Exhibition Centre, we have been getting very good response. That is why we are in the entertainment city once again. Keeping in view the encouraging response, we hope that one day we will become a distinct Qatari brand in camel milk products.”
About his future plans, Ghanim said, “We plan on expanding in Qatar, focusing on major shopping malls here. We have been marketing our products on social media very actively though. We have already started delivery service for the customers as well.
Regarding his business idea, he said, “Around two years ago, we came up with the idea of establishing a company that can produce a healthy local product from the camel milk. We wanted to have a product that combines people’s love and passion for ice cream and desserts with various benefits and nutritious components of the milk, especially those that are proven scientifically by research and studies.”
He added, “The name of the company was chosen carefully. ‘Camels Back’ refers to the return of camels from the annual journey, between winter and summer, from Yemen to Makkah, loaded with goods for Makkah’s people in the distant past. With strong global and local attention to health and use of natural foods, the name symbolises the return of camel milk to the market, giving people health and wellness.”
Ghanim further noted, “Proceeding with this vision, a camel farm was established in Simsima, North of Qatar. It is specialised in producing fresh camel milk every day, which is to be used in producing ice cream and desserts.”
Speaking about benefits of camel milk, he said, “The milk contains higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids, healthy fats. The unsaturated fatty acids help in regulating blood circulation. It is also rich in Vitamin C which helps to strengthen the immune system.”
He added, “Camel milk is an ideal source of calcium for children and expecting women. It helps in preventing osteoporosis. It also has a great effect on people suffering from Type II diabetes as it contributes in reducing the need for insulin. The milk is easy to digest, especially for those suffering from lactose intolerance.”
He further said, “Camel Milk is a natural source of bio-stimulants that are necessary for the growth of good bacteria in the human body. Since it is easily digestible, one can have longer quantity of the milk without actually feeling full. It also strengthens bones, nails, hair and teeth, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals. The milk is a healthier option as it naturally has low fat content and cholesterol, almost half of what is generally found in cow milk”.
Qatar Tourism Authority is organising SEC in partnership of QSports. Adil Ahmed, founder and CEO of QSports, said that a good number of small businesses joined entertainment city in the bid to expand their activities. “Previously international companies from neighbouring countries used to come to SEC. This time, there are more local Qatari companies coming up with newer brands and businesses”, he added.
“The Camels Back products are getting popular and the brand will soon be able to establish itself as a distinct product,” he said.
EXPANSION: Ghanim al-Mohannadi plans on expanding the company, with a major focus on shopping malls.
