Doha: Hundreds of people and shopping lovers flocked to see the new products on display at the Doha Trade Fair 2010, which was inaugurated Monday by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Chairman Ahmad Abdullah Al Nuaimi, in the presence of some dignitaries including the ambassadors of Lebanon, Malaysia, and South Africa, to Qatar.
The eight-day exhibition which is held at the Doha Exhibition Centre, attracted around 685 companies from 19 countries, which are showcasing a variety of products.
The 2010’s edition
This year’s fair is putting on display a variety of new and unique products. However, considering the bad economy that has hit almost all countries, the products are being sold at more affordable prices.
“The exhibitors are selling products at more affordable prices made possible by the reduced rate we have charged for space this year. To ensure that these firms are indeed offering fair prices we have put in place a close monitoring system,” QTA Chairman Ahmad Abdullah Al Nuaimi said.
“I think it was a well-organised fair. Many interesting items are on display and the prices are fair, ” a housewife attending the fair, Lama Ghalayini, told Gulf News.
Categorised as one of the important events, the trade fair is expected to attract around 160,000 visitors locally and from abroad, significantly boosting the economy.
“Last year the fair received an average of about 20,000 visitors each day, but this year we are expecting far more visitors given the entertainment facilities we have added to make the shopping festival more attractive and enjoyable,” Al Nuaimi added.
According to the Qatar Expo CEO Kareem Zarka they are expecting shoppers to spend more than 5 million Qatari Riyals, until the fair lasts.
The Doha Trade Fair 2010 will run till January 24, from 11am to 10pm, and from 4pm to 11pm on Friday.
