Mubarak Al Awami, the originator of Qatar's traditional photo tents located along the Corniche.
Doha: The ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has proven to be one of the best opportunities to showcase the traditions and culture of Qatar, with visitors from all over the world having a better understanding of the heritage of the Qatari people, Mubarak Al Awami, the originator of Sadu Studios, Qatar's traditional photo tents located along the Corniche, has said.
"The World Cup is not just about football but also a celebration of Qatari culture and tradition. Qatar has been privileged to host many events in the past, but there have never been any on such a large scale as the World Cup. "With almost every country in the world represented here in Qatar for the tournament, the interest in our past and present ways of life has been quite massive, and the tournament has afforded us the opportunity to promote our culture as much as possible," Al Awami said.
Al Awami, further added that one of the most interesting questions people ask when they visit any of his tents is about the Bedouin lifestyle and ways of life.
"We’ve been receiving many special guests since the tents opened on November 19, and I've discovered that at the top of their interests is the Bedouin lifestyle. There is keen interest in how people lived back then—how they survived the desert, how they handled environmental challenges, their sources of income, and so on. "Although the studio is primarily for people to come in and take pictures in traditional attire, I am very happy to promote my country as much as possible because this is the best opportunity anyone can get," he said.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the idea of the traditional photo tent, Al Awami said that he had an idea of introducing something novel but yet indigenous to the World Cup show, something that is authentically Arab that could promote the culture and yet fascinate people, hence the idea of the tent studio.
"Our traditional photo tents are meant to offer our visitors an opportunity to dress in our local attire and take home an instant memorial photo," Al Awami added. "Traditional Bedouin tents are currently being used to host football fans. They are part of our rich culture and tradition, and it is important that we showcase them in our expansive desert to showcase the rich culture of our country."
Guests at the tents so far include the former captain of the Australian national football team, Alex Tobin; the Azteca Deportes Noreste, the famous influencers team from Mexico; some well-known bloggers, former and current footballers; and many others.
You can visit the Qatar Traditional Photo Tents on the Corniche between MIA Park and Souk Waqif, between 12 pm-12 am daily during the FIFA World Cup.
