The First Al Hamba Mango and Mango Products Festival will kick off at Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar on June 27, featuring the rich and diverse flavors of Pakistani mangoes. The 10-day festival, organized by the Celebrations Committee of the Private Engineering Office in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan, will run from June 27 to July 6, 2024, from 4pm to 9pm daily. General Supervisor Khalid Saif Al Suwaidi stated that the festival will introduce new types of Pakistani mangoes to the Qatari markets for the first time, with direct imports from Pakistani cities known for mango production.
Al Suwaidi revealed that the festival will showcase dozens of mango varieties and products, such as juices, sweets, and pickles, with the majority of participating companies hailing from Pakistan. The festival will take place in an air-conditioned tent at Souq Waqif, offering comfort to participants and visitors. Plans are also underway to potentially hold mango festivals for other countries renowned for their mango cultivation. The Pakistan Embassy stated that the event will present over 43 companies and around 100 outlets, providing a wide selection of Pakistani mangoes for attendees to enjoy.
Visitors to the festival can expect to sample a range of Pakistani mango varieties, including popular choices like Sidhri, Chaunsa, Safeed Chaunsa, Anwar Ratool, and Duseri. Alongside mangoes, seasonal fruits like falsa, jamun, and peaches will also be available, adding a touch of summer sweetness to the festivities. Pakistani cuisine will be a highlight, with traditional dishes and modern interpretations up for tasting, showcasing the culinary heritage of Pakistan. Various exhibitors including importers, retailers, exporters, and local restaurants will participate in the festival.
Notable companies like Zuhair Impex, Akin Foods, and Friday Fresh Pvt Ltd will showcase a diverse range of mango-based products at the event. Importers, retailers, and exporters from Pakistan will present processed foods and dry mangoes, highlighting the versatility of mango in various forms. Major retail stores like Al Baladi Hypermarket and Marza Hypermarket, along with importers like Swat International Trading Company, will partake in the festival. Desert Green Qatar will also feature a display showcasing agricultural innovations, and Swat International Trading Company will present Pakistani handicrafts.
The Al Hamba Festival is set to be a memorable event for families and food enthusiasts alike, promising a rich tapestry of flavors and cultural experiences. By celebrating the agricultural heritage and culinary traditions of Pakistan, the festival aims to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Qatar and Pakistan through the universal language of food. The festival will be a unique opportunity for residents of Qatar to experience and savor the diverse range of Pakistani mangoes and products, while also enjoying the vibrant cultural offerings from Pakistan.
