The inaugural Pakistan Citrus Festival, held at Al Wakrah Old Souq in Qatar, opened Saturday attracting large crowds and showcasing the nation’s renowned citrus fruits. The event, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan and the souq’s management, highlights Pakistan’s agricultural exports and strengthens trade relations with Qatar. The festival runs until January 18th, 2026, from 4pm to 9pm daily.
Boosting Pakistan’s Citrus Exports to Qatar
The festival centers on Pakistan’s high-quality citrus produce, with a particular focus on kinnows – a mandarin orange variety – alongside traditional oranges, mandarins, and innovative citrus-based products like sweets, juices, and desserts. Pakistan currently ranks as the 12th largest citrus producer globally, yielding approximately 2.4 million tonnes annually, according to Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H.E. Muhammad Aamer.
Doha is seen as a key strategic export destination by the Pakistani government. Aamer emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its agricultural offerings in the Qatari market, building on a growing regional presence. The increase in exports aligns with Qatar’s growing demand for diverse agricultural products.
A Family-Friendly Winter Attraction
Located at Fardat Al Madhoub, the seaside area of Al Wakrah Old Souq, the festival offers a vibrant atmosphere for families, residents, and tourists seeking a winter attraction. One visiting family told The Peninsula that the range of citrus offerings, including desserts and juices, particularly appealed to children.
Exhibitor Muhammad Saad highlighted the unique appeal of kinnows, praising their naturally sweet flavor and popularity as a winter specialty. Kinnows are currently being sold at the festival for an average price of approximately QR30 per box.
Quality Certifications and Economic Impact
Pakistan exports around 400,000 tonnes of kinnows annually, supported by internationally recognized quality certifications. These include GlobalGAP and HACCP, ensuring adherence to stringent global food safety standards. These certifications are crucial for accessing international markets and building consumer trust.
Citrus exports, particularly kinnows, generated an estimated $328.5 million in revenue during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, demonstrating increasing international demand. This influx of revenue provides a significant boost to Pakistan’s agricultural sector and overall economy. The agriculture sector is a key contributor to Pakistan’s GDP.
This event contributes to Qatar’s expanding schedule of international product exhibitions, reinforcing the country’s position as an open market welcoming traders and cultural displays from around the world. The festival demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to diversifying its economy and fostering international partnerships.
Looking ahead, the success of this initial festival is likely to lead to its recurrence in future years. Further discussions between the Pakistani Embassy and Qatari authorities will likely explore opportunities for expanded agricultural trade, including potential investment in Pakistani farming infrastructure. Monitoring future trade figures and the development of any long-term partnerships will be key to assessing the festival’s sustained impact on both economies.
Source: The Peninsula
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