International Ramadan Market at DECC attracts a large crowd

It was like the world coming together at Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC) where the Ramadan Market continues to attract people for shopping in the holy month.Organised by QSports in collaboration with United Expo, Ramadan Market started on May 10 and will continue till May 30. It offers lots of attractions both for the retailers coming from other countries and the people living in Qatar.As Qatar is fast becoming a hub of numerous festivals and events, events like the International Ramadan Market are a place where international vendors and local buyers come across under one roof.The market that is open from 2pm to 12am daily and provides an entertaining shopping experience for local residents and a solid platform for local and international traders and visitors to offer their unique products to the Qatari market. There are over 200 retail outlets at the market.Aya Kasab, Head of Business Development Unit at QSports, said: “The concept is to gather international vendors with their products from different countries. There are people from 25 countries gathering here. They are from India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Kuwait, Oman, Iran, Yemen, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Thailand, Malaysia, Italy, Philippine, USA, and other African and European countries.”Aya said that the Ramadan Market inside DECC is a unique experience. “I know that there are many Ramadan related activities in all major malls in Qatar. DECC is however unique for its location and available space. It is located right in the middle of West Bay where all people can have easy access. The area is safe for kids as they have play corners as their parents get busy in shopping. The place is safe and has other relevant facilities. It offers a family-oriented shopping experience during Ramadan.“There are so many different cultures gathered under one roof. We have diverse activities. We have many entertainment facilities. We have very support partners to help us organise and run the market successfully. We also plan to have short and interesting on the sport quiz competitions in the last few days of the market.”When asked about the facilities for traders coming from outside Qatar, she said: “We are partnering with many other companies in attracting the retailors to the market. We have created a kind of synchronised theme for the traders. The price for the space is not high. They get a chance to sell their products at a place there are people from different parts of the world. It is said to be one of the biggest shopping, food and entertainment destinations during the 2019 Ramadan season.”Ghanim al Mohannadi, Deputy Chairman of QSports, added: “One of the aims of the Ramadan Market is to promote local small business. So, we have allocated dedicated reserved spaces for local business wanting to take part in the event to showcase their products.”The organiser are also organising special activities at the market on the occasion of Garangao. Each activity session lasts for two hours and includes Garangao special-mascots, clown balloon twister, free Garangao bags (with candies), and complementary vouchers as giveaways.Awawadah, a Jordanian expatriate was at DECC with his family. He said: “We are here to enjoy after Iftar and do some leisure shopping. The place is well organised and there are lots of different products available under one roof. My kids can play different sports here. We got the information about the market from different social media accounts.”Shehryar, a Pakistani expatriate doing business in Kuwait, has set up a stall for different handicrafts. He said: “I have brought many hand-made items from India and Pakistan.“We are in Doha for the first time. We were hopeful that we would do well here. It has been three days and I am doing good business. I plan to come to Qatar again in future with my products. I am also thinking to establish a store here. I have really liked to be here in Qatar.”