Doha, Qatar: The 8th Mahaseel Festival, currently underway at Katara Southern area in Doha, exceeds its role as a mere marketplace for local fruits, vegetables, plants, and ornamentals. It has evolved into a cultural platform, spotlighting Qatar’s agricultural heritage and ingenuity to the public, according to an official.
Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Yousef Khaled Al Khulaifi, hailed the festival’s collaboration with the Qatari Farmers Forum, emphasising its function in promoting, marketing, and exhibiting local products.
He underscored the festival’s significance as a cultural conduit, promoting awareness into local production advancements and the array of offerings of the event, ranging from honey, fruits, and vegetables to dairy products, flowers, and nursery items.
Al Khulaifi noted an evident surge in market demand across various societal segments compared to previous editions, indicative of the festival’s growing popularity and impact.
“In this edition, we see a development not only in the products offered, but also in the demand for the market from various segments of society.”
This year’s Mahaseel Festival boasts participation from over 31 local farms, 10 nurseries specialising in ornamental plants and flower seedlings, and five commercial stores alongside a honey market. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with 28 local farms, six businesses catering to poultry, meat, and dairy products, and nurseries taking part.
The festival’s showcase of premium local produce, encompassing fruits, vegetables, and flowers, has captivated the interest of both domestic and international tourists keen on exploring Qatar’s agricultural and culinary landscape.
In addition to agricultural delights, the festival offers an array of food items such as honey products and dates, enhancing its appeal to gastronomy enthusiasts.
Participating Qatari farms have lauded this edition as a resounding success, citing robust visitor turnout, particularly during weekends. Ali Ahmed Al Kaabi, owner of Global Farm, commended the festival’s unique feature of delivering produce to shops within hours of harvesting, aligning with consumer preferences for freshness.
Mahaseel Festival has evolved into a hallmark event, exemplifying Qatar’s commitment to showcasing the finest local produce and providing residents and tourists alike with access to the freshest goods, sourced mere hours away from the farms.
The festival will continue its festivities until April 15, welcoming visitors from 9am to 9pm. Accessible by private vehicle, taxi, or Metro.
