The fourth edition of the festival began Tuesday with a fashion show featuring homegrown and French designers, marking the greater internationalism of the festival
Shop Qatar 2020 launched in style on Tuesday evening with a fashion and entertainment event held at Barahat Msheireb, which blends opulence and tradition in a distinctly Qatari manner. Returning for its fourth edition, Shop Qatar heralds the start of a busy calendar of events, organised and supported by Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) in its efforts to enrich the country’s tourism offerings. The fourth edition of the three-week festival opened with a fashion show by Qatar’s own Hind Al Rumaihi, followed by the avant garde stylings of French fashion collective Faith Connexion, in a nod to the Qatar-France Year of Culture. A traditional Chinese lion show, symbolizing good fortune, completed the cross-cultural experience at the event. In attendance at this year’s launch ceremony were several VIPs including foreign diplomats, government officials and private sector leaders along with the festival’s host and partner organisations.
Speaking at the event, H.E Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways, commented: “This edition of Shop Qatar will combine cultural authenticity with luxury and showcase our world-class retail and entertainment offerings in style. From haute couture designers, to globally renowned artists and entertainers, Shop Qatar brings the world to our country. With almost 30 events and activations, held over 3 weeks, we will present offerings from France, the home of art and fashion to the best of the Middle East and Asia and then end on a high note with China where a host of immersive celebrations will usher in a Chinese New Year, marking our commitment to one of the largest visitor source markets in the world.”
The first week of Shop Qatar boasts diverse offerings and products across retail, entertainment and culture, including in-mall musical entertainment, and children’s shows Masha & the Bear as well as Shaun the Sheep, while children of all ages can enjoy Disney in Concert with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Aspiring makeup artists can learn from the best – at Hanan Alnajadeh’s ticketed masterclass or through her free makeup class with Dior. Whilst Dalal al Refai will offer a free makeup workshop.
Running until 31st January, the festival provides shopping discounts of up to 70% with cash and car prizes worth up to 2 million QAR across 12 malls and retail partners as well as a platform for local and regional designers, with fashion shows throughout the festival as well as makeup masterclasses with celebrity artists and influencers. Malls will host a plethora of activities, and entertainment shows for children and adults alike. A host of live music concerts featuring renowned Pakistani and Indian artists will take audiences to Asia, with a week of Chinese New Year celebrations ending the festival.
For further information, please contact NTC’s Press Office on:
+974 4499 7882 or +974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
About Shop Qatar
Shop Qatar is a festival celebrating the country’s diverse retail offerings. Held during the winter, the Festival invites residents and visitors to enjoy special experiences at malls, bazaars and in scenic outdoor spaces.
The Festival forms a part of NTC’s strategy to grow and diversify the country’s tourism offering, particularly in the area of family and urban entertainment. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of partners in both the public and private sector, residents and visitors can benefit from special travel, entertainment and retail offers throughout the country.
Find Shop Qatar online
www.visitqatar.qa/calendar
Facebook: QatarCalendar
Instagram: @QatarCalendar
Twitter: @QatarCalendar
#ShopQatar
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About National Tourism Council (NTC)
Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.
QNTC’s work is guided by the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase visitor spending.
Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 14 million visitors. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with the government designating tourism in 2017 a priority sector in pursuit of a more diverse economy and more active private sector.
