Colorful exhibit garners funds for SDC’s programs, brings together 25 international communities
Doha, Qatar, March 17: The 8th Diplomatic Bazaar – a multicultural charity exhibit organized by the Social Development Center (SDC), member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development – brought attractions from all over the world to Katara, The Cultural Village, in a two-day event involving 25 embassies based in Qatar. Attended by over 5000 people.
Countries present at this year’s Bazaar included United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Greece, Peru, Turkey, The Netherlands, Algeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Egypt, Venezuela, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kenya, Iran, and Oman.
During the Bazaar, wives of 25 ambassadors to Qatar hosted stalls, featuring unique traditional gift items and souvenirs from their respective countries for sale. Unique performances, such as traditional Greek dances, were also part of the event.
“Given that the Diplomatic Bazaar is one of our major fundraising events, we are thrilled at how successful this year’s bazaar has been,” said SDC representative.
“We would like to thank all the exhibitors for their enormous contribution. Visitors were flocking to all the different stalls – the exhibitors were on their toes all the time. Some of the most popular attractions at the Bazaar were the brightly patterned handicrafts at the Tunisian stall, the exquisite beaded jewellery at the Kenyan stall, and the delicious selection of marzipan sweets at the Algerian stall,” said SDC representative.
Funds from this year’s Diplomatic Bazaar will be allocated to the Center’s vocational training and development department which provides training for individuals to improve their knowledge and skills in their chosen careers.
Figen Yunt, wife of the Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar and an exhibitor at Turkey’s stall, said, “After 3 months of preparation, the result is absolutely wonderful. We have managed to bring the best of Turkey to Qatar. In addition to raising funds and enriching our cultural knowledge, the Diplomatic Bazaar serves as a reunion for the individual communities as well. It helps us as embassy representatives reach out to our own communities in Qatar.”
Diplomats also saw the Bazaar as a way of promoting their cultures, as well as encouraging unity amongst the different groups of people residing in Qatar.
Hanani Ghannam, wife of the Ambassador of State of Palestine to Qatar, said, “The Bazaar is an excellent initiative to bring the different communities in Qatar together and support a common cause. It also helps us see countries through the eyes of culture and tradition, beyond news headlines and politics.”
Sabariah Jazri, wife of the Ambassador of Malaysia to Qatar, said, “I am particularly glad to be part of this event because it has given me the opportunity to promote my country, Malaysia, amongst all the different communities present in Qatar, on a single platform.”
In addition to SDC staff, a total of 50 volunteers from the Center’s volunteer bank participated in the 8th Diplomatic Bazaar, and were involved in different phases of the bazaar from initial organization to guiding guests during the event.
The 8th Diplomatic Bazaar was sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar and Katara, the Cultural Village.
Over the years, the Diplomatic Bazaar has become part of Qatar’s community fabric, fostering cultural exchange between the diverse groups of residents based in Qatar. SDC hopes to maintain this momentum by organizing similar initiatives in the future.