long Shop Qatar festival will take its festivities outdoors this weekend (Jan. 12-14). Visitors and residents are invited to the Doha Corniche from 4.30 -10.30 p.m., where they can enjoy the pleasant winter weather, family-friendly entertainment, delicious treats and a spectacular fireworks display. In support of local community initiatives and businesses, the area surrounding Qatar's iconic ‘Orry the Oryx' mascot will feature a number of booths and activities presented by Qatari entrepreneurs and organizations. Members of the Bedaya center are set to sell their locally-made delicacies, and casual seating areas are set up where families can stop for a bite from one of the 10 food trucks and stalls that will be serving delicious treats throughout the afternoon and evening. Food and shopping will be complemented by a lively entertainment schedule, featuring music parades, stilt walkers, illusionist shows, a ‘Arda dance and other entertainers performing throughout the day. Infusing an educational element in the festivities, there will also be four daily screenings of episodes of Siraj, Qatar Foundation's new 3D animation ‘edutainment' TV series. Additionally, children and their parents can enjoy their favorite stories at a mobile library. Saif AlKuwari, Director of PR and Communication at Qatar Tourism Authority said, "In its first edition, Shop Qatar showcases the best of what Qatar has to offer in terms of retail and entertainment. In all of our plans, we ensure tourism events are rooted in Qatari heritage, and we also strive to support community initiatives by offering them a popular platform through QTA festivals to reach a broader audience. This weekend promises excitement for every member of the family, and I hope all Qatar's visitors and residents will come out to enjoy the atmosphere." The daily activities will kick off at 4:30 pm and continue through to 10:00 pm in the evening. Siraj screenings are scheduled to run for half an hour starting 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm, while firework displays will light up the skies at 8:00pm every day. Under the slogan ‘A Brand New Tradition', the festival Shop Qatar runs from Jan. 7 – Feb. 7, offering residents and visitors discounts on popular brands, access to local designer products through an array of pop-up shops, and raffle draws with cash prizes worth QAR 4 million. Shop Qatar also features a rich schedule of entertainment that caters to a variety of ages and interests. Arab singing sensations Majid Al Muhandis and Hussain Al Jassmi will perform on Jan. 20 and 27, respectively, while the final weekend of Shop Qatar promises to thrill audiences with the Broadway musical CATS as well as the first ever winter edition of Doha Comedy Festival. Shop Qatar has ten retail partners in Doha and beyond - Mall of Qatar, Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza, AlKhor Mall, Lagoona Mall, Gulf Mall, Landmark, Dar Al Salam Mall, The Gate and The Pearl-Qatar – where visitors can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on a range of consumer goods. — SG
