DOHA: The first ever Al Hamba Festival in Qatar’s capital Doha celebrates the bounty of Pakistan’s mangoes, showcasing the variety and flavors of the seasonal fruit.
Among the popular varieties like Sidhri, Chaunsa, Chaunsa Reliable, Anwar Ratol and Duseri, mango lovers and food lovers flocked to the festival at Souq Waqif, which started on Thursday and will continue till July 6.
The much-anticipated event, organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha in association with the Private Engineering Office (PEO) Celebration Organizing Committee, showcased the rich and varied varieties and flavors of Pakistan’s mangoes. More than 43 participating companies and 100 shops offer wedding services to Qatari citizens.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aejaz described the inaugural Al Hamba festival as an opportunity to taste Pakistan’s best mangoes, apart from promoting cultural exchange between the two countries through the universal language of food.
“Al Hamba Festival promises to be an unforgettable event for families and food enthusiasts, offering a rich taste and cultural experience,” he said.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the event will attract Qatari importers to place orders not only for mangoes, but also for rice, groceries and other fruits.
Apart from mangoes, the festival also features seasonal fruits like falsa, jamun and peaches, which add a touch of summer sweetness to the festivities. Pakistani cuisine is another highlight of the festival, with a variety of traditional dishes and modern interpretations. Local restaurants and cafes offer a variety of menus to celebrate Pakistan’s culinary heritage.
Various exhibitors like importers, retailers and exporters participate in the festival. A company from Pakistan presents processed foods with dried mangoes and various types of mango based products. Notable participants include: Zuhair Impex, Akin Foods, Kashan Trader’s, Friday Fresh Pvt Ltd, Naurus Pvt Ltd, Pak Khyber Traders, Aaj Enterprises, Al Hamad Agro Chemicals and Swat International Trading Company. Major participating stores include Al Baladi Hypermarket, Marza Hypermarket, Sunder Mart and Al Hemaliya Trading. The festival also features a unique exhibition of Desert Green Qatar, a nursery of the best in agriculture and innovation. The event also showcased Pakistani handicrafts by Swat International Trading Company.
