(MENAFN- The Peninsula) |
The Peninsula
As the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 draws nearer, antique store owners across Qatar are hoping to capitalise on the influx of fans for business and to showcase the rich Qatari heritage.
Items spanning vintage jewels, teacups, carved wooden and iron-melted camels, Arabian horses, falcons, lamps, paintings inspired by pearling and old Doha neighbourhoods, old photos of Qatar printed on foam canvasses, as well as traditional dhows.
“Some people like paintings, some people like the Arabian carvings, while others prefer swords and knives,” a manager at an antique store in Souq Waqif told The Peninsula.
“We have been receiving tourists, especially since the pandemic has receded. For the World Cup, we will mix it up to cater to all kinds of collectors, and we hope to have more people visit us.”
According to an official of the World Cup organising committee, the tournament is projected to add as much as $17bn to Qatar's economy.
Around 1.2 million fans are expected in Qatar for the November 20 to December 18 football fiesta, with major antique hotspots in Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra gearing up to attract foreign customers.
Despite the rise of mega-malls across the country, these areas remain at the heart of social and commercial life.
Tourists can feast on regional cuisine, shop for everything from antique daggers to custom thawb and learn a thing or two about ancient Arabia.
Another vendor at the Souq said with fan activities scheduled for the area, several hotels, and the many attractive offerings at the Souq; he anticipates many visitors will leave Doha with more than just memories.
“We are well located for the World Cup,” said the manager, whose store is filled with carved boats, Arab 'dallah' (coffee pots) and souvenirs such as salt and pepper shakers shaped in the form of a couple dressed in traditional clothing.
“There'll be many fans hanging around here because the Souq is close to the Corniche, and one of the World Cup Stadiums is just around here (Stadium 974). Hopefully, they will come around to get some souvenirs. I'm sure many will leave Qatar with more than just fond memories.”
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