Qatar set to host major events in Q1

Qatar is set to host a number of major events – from a diverse range of exhibitions, festivals, and conferences to sports competitions – in the first quarter (Q1) of this year should their original schedules push through, Qatar Tourism has posted online.The Doha International Book Fair, which forms part of Qatar – USA Year of Culture 2021, is set to take place from January 13-23, 2022, with the US as the first guest of honour.Shop Qatar is back – from January 31 to February 28 – giving shoppers an opportunity to avail discounts and promotions and win huge prizes.Last year’s festivity, which ran from September 10 to October 10, further boosted Qatar’s retail sector, attracting residents and visitors to roam around Doha and shop at various malls and shopping centres.This event, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, offered various promotions and huge discounts at a large number of retail outlets in 13 shopping malls, The Pearl-Qatar, and Qatar Duty-Free at Hamad International Airport.More than 60 hotels also took part, offering residents and visitors discounts on stays, gym and spa packages, as well as food and beverage offerings.Qatar will also organise another world-class event – the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival – from February 2-12 at the Katara Esplanade, where more than QR16mn of total prizes are at stake.The programme would include the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show (February 3-5), Arabian Horse Auction (February 7), and the Title Show (February 9-12).The organisers said that the festival aims to “promote Qatar, which is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians, as a world-class hub for horses and equestrian sports; enhance Qatar’s standing in this discipline; boost the confidence and pride of owners by presenting them with opportunities to participate in the various prestigious Arabian horse shows organised; and uphold the culture of “modernisation and originality” in line with Qatar National Vision 2030”.Hundreds of exhibitors are also expected to participate in the 9th edition of Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental, slated from March 10-14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The event this year aims to “highlight innovation in agricultural techniques, and pinpoint the road map to achieve food security and sustainable development”.It “furnishes an ideal opportunity for industry specialists to explore a wide range of agricultural technologies, equipment, and related products, meet key decision-makers, gain valuable insights, and discover the best practices”.Other events in Qatar Tourism’s calendar of events include African Festival (February 17-26), Qatar International Food Festival (March 3-19), Grand Prix of Qatar (March 4-6), The Street Child World Cup 2022 (March 16-31), Palestinian Festival (March 17-26), Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2022 (March 21-23), and Doha Forum (March 26-27).