Vegetables and fruits on display at the Al Sailiya Central Market. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula
Doha: Fresh produce, excellent prices, and relaxed mall-like shopping experience are the Al Sailiya Central Market’s main attractions. The over 78,000sq m market opened in January this year to replace the Abu Hamour vegetable market.
Managed by Aswaq company, a branch of Hassad Food, which operates the markets at Al Wakra and Umm Salal, Al Sailiya Central Market is Qatar’s largest wholesale centre for vegetables and fruits. It has 102 retail stalls, 50 wholesale stalls, and 52 stalls selling traditional handicraft products.
The central market is a platform for thousands of importers, wholesalers, and retailers to auction, sell, buy and store imported and locally-grown produce.
The market was closed for almost four months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Though since it reopened in July, it has seen a steady influx of consumers.
“While fewer customers are going to the market after the COVID-19 lockdown, the footfall is still considered good for the vendors. Some find the safety measures a little inconvenient but accept that it is for the good of everyone,” an Aswaq supervisor told The Peninsula.
“Now we auction between 80-90 trailers of produce compared to 120-130 before the coronavirus outbreak. The prices are regulated by the ministry (MoCI), and that attracts more people because they can get a better deal here than in hypermarkets. The ministry officials also monitor the market to prevent irregularities and price inflation,” the supervisor added.
Hamroun, who runs a restaurant in Doha, said the prices bring him to Sailiya daily despite the distance. “I come here to buy vegetables, even though it is far. I prefer buying here because the prices are better than in Doha. I run a restaurant, so I can’t afford to buy in kilos. Here, I can get them in bulk or wholesale,” Hamroun said.
A retailer from Al Wakrah said the Al Sailiya market prices are more affordable compared to Abu Hamour.
“I come here every day from Al Wakrah market because the prices are good for me as a retailer. If you go to Abu Hamour, some sellers sell their produce at a higher price. Also, I can get fresher vegetables here than Abu Hamour. Many may complain about the distance, but I come here from Wakrah daily,” he commented.
Despite rave reviews from customers, some store owners still craved the openness of the Abu Hamour market.
“I prefer the previous location at Abu Hamour because it was open, and buyers could easily see and access our wares, compared to the enclosed space here. Also, the coronavirus did not help us at all. We were closed for four months and only just opened. The turnout has been a bit low since the reopening, but we are optimistic,” a vendor said.
