First Pakistan Mango Festival ‘Al Hamba’ begins - Qatar
Doha: Featuring about 50 companies with 100 stalls, the first Pakistan Mango Festival ‘Al Hamba’ began yesterday in a large air-conditioned tent at eastern square of Souq Waqif.
The ten-day festival is offering a variety of Pakistani mangoes, including popular varieties such as Sindhri, Chaunsa, Safeed Chaunsa, Anwar Ratool, and Duseri and seasonal fruits like falsa, jamun, and peaches.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Muhemmed Aejaz, and Managing Director of Private Engineering Office H E Nasser Rashid Al Nuaimi and General Supervisor of the festival Khalid Saif Al Suwaidi.
The festival is being organised by the Celebrations Committee of the Private Engineering Office in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan from June 27 until July 6, 2024 from 4pm to 9pm daily.
Speaking to The Peninsula, General Supervisor of the festival Khalid Saif Al Suwaidi said that the first Pakistan Mango Festival is being held following the harvesting season of the fruit in exporting country.
“The festival features about 50 products, including various types of mangoes, juices, sweets and pickles. More mango verities will be imported from Pakistan almost on daily basis until the end of the festival,” said Al Suwaidi.
“Most of the products are being imported exclusively for the festival. There are many Pakistani companies which are fist time participating in the festival.” He said that the festival is expected to attract a large number of visitors since Pakistani mangoes are very popular in the Qatari community.
“The festival is being hosted in a large air-conditioned tent have all necessary services for the comfort of the visitors,” said Al Suwaidi.
He said that the Organising Committee of the festival in coordination with the Ministry of Public and Health and Ministry of Municipality ensures the quality of mangoes and products which are being displayed at the festival.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Muhemmed Aejaz said: “Today we are launching the first Pakistani mango show in Doha offering about eight verities of high quality mangoes.
“With about 300 varieties of mangoes, Pakistan is one of the largest producers and exporters of mangoes in the world. Like many other things, Pakistani mangoes are considered the best in the word.”
He said that around 48 companies are showcasing various varieties of the Pakistani mangoes and they are a part of our cultural identity in Pakistan.
“Mangoes are being sold here and also food products made from mangoes. I am sure it will be something very enjoyable for all the visitors,” said Aejaz. He said that 48 companies are participating and most of them are having more than one stall.
“They are basically here to make sure that they not only bring the best mangoes, but also create more cultural linkages and more commercial linkages with potential importers in Qatar,” said the Ambassador.
He said that Souq Wqafi is a wonderful place especially for families to visit.