Shop the world: Doha Trade Fair reveals its new look

The Doha Trade Fair  2011 (DTF) – the biggest shopping event in Qatar - will raise the curtain on its new look, with a grand opening on June 4 at the Doha Exhibition Center with the attendance of diplomatic VIP’s from various embassies in Qatar. Organizers announced today that this year’s DTF will offer a premium shopping experience bringing a wide array of new products coming from renowned markets in countries across the globe, many of which are participating for the first time in the expo.

The ten-day event, organized by Qatar Tourism Authority in collaboration with q.media events, is held under the patronage of H.E Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI).

“The Doha Trade Fair is a major business and touristic event that brings together a large number of participating countries, while attracting a large number of visitors and exhibitors in a short period and in a single venue,” said Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority.

“For Qatar Tourism Authority, the Doha Trade Fair is a significant event for our domestic and regional tourism strategies. With q.media’s involvement in the 2011 edition, exhibitors and visitors will see an Exclusive Edition with a new concept and a new look. This event will help make Qatar a preferred destination for trading and tourism in the region. The main aim is to promote Qatar as an upscale leisure tourism destination, making Doha a preferred destination for shopping and a mature trading hub for consumer goods,” said Al Nuaimi.

The Doha Trade Fair is expected to be Qatar’s biggest shopping attraction of the year, featuring more than 550 exhibitors to cover a space of 15,000 square meters, from 30 different countries compared to last year’s event, which hosted only 18 countries. The countries represented this year are Bangladesh, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, USA, and Yemen.

The renowned exhibitors will be showcasing and selling a variety of the latest exclusive and traditional products from their home country, ranging from high fashion and modern furniture to unique home decor and hand-crafted silverware. This year’s shopping experience will be enhanced with the new and sophisticated booth appearance, all under the new concept of “Shop the world”.  The broad product selection and wide price range will appeal to most people.

“We are proud to be part of this world-class event, as our goal is to bring upscale events to the country, and to create events for Qatar that meet international standards,"Sheikh Al Hussein Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al Thani , CEO of  q.media  said.

“The most important concept of DTF 2011 is that only products manufactured and made in the country of origin will be presented on the stand of this country, to make it easier for shoppers to shop, while assuring them of the authenticity of the products,” he continued.

“DTF 2011 will look different in the way the stalls and stands are presented and decorated, ensuring that visitors will feel and enjoy this different and unique shopping experience. DTF 2011 with the added touches and face-lift it had undergone, will guarantee that visitors enjoy the fancy products and lavish collections on display, while still being able to appeal to most tastes.”

Sheikh Al Hussein mentioned that a larger media campaign will promote the “Shop the World” campaign locally, regionally and on an international level.

The trade fair is expected to attract around 200,000 visitors locally and regionally, significantly boosting the economy and tourism in the country.

“The main focus of QCCI is to promote trade by sponsoring events and activities such as the Doha Trade Fair, which will be bring more businesses and investments to Qatar and promote the country as a business destination in the region.

“QCCI’s approach to business and investments is in line with the key pillars of 2030 National Vision, this is why the chamber is heavily supporting trade and business events as such,” said H.E Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani , Chairman of QCCI.

This year’s premium version of DTF will offer visitors the chance to win a variety of prizes at the newly created “Fun Zone”. In addition to that, DTF 2011 will offer a Guinness World Records experience featuring the largest Monopoly game.