The Doha Exhibitions Center’s main hall was packed with visitors, shopping lovers and souvenir collectors looking for special treasures on the opening day of the Doha Trade Fair 2012 – Qatar’s biggest shopping carnival of the year.

Over 9,000 visitors walked through the doors eager to check out the latest products on display from the more than 570 international exhibitors.

The opening ceremony kicked off with a festive parade of entertainers, musicians and the fair’s mascots.

This was followed by the official inauguration of the ten-day exhibition by Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Al Kuwari, vice chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in the presence of officials from Qatar Tourism Authority and q.media events.

“I am astounded by the number of visitors, who came specifically to enjoy this shopping extravaganza, which is exclusively offered by this trade show,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Fahed Al Thani, events manager at q.media.

“Every year, we try to create exceptional buzz around the exhibition through bringing a variety of products from different countries that would suit and appeal to all tastes and budgets.

“The impressive expansion of the DTF, with more exhibitors showing interest in participating every year, reflects the massive success of this bi-annual event and marks Qatar’s flourishing trade market,” he added.

While moving from one aisle to another, visitors can easily find what they are looking for as the pavilions are organized by product category.

Visitors are struck by the variety of options on offer, from best-selling items and traditional products to antiques, newly-released household products and electronic gadgets.

On the opening day of the exhibition, exhibitors exclaimed that the first day was a good start to the New Year, with many customers showing interest in the items on display.

They collectively expressed that this exhibition serves as an effective marketing and advertising tool for their products.

“The culture of Bahrain is very similar to the Qatari culture and I am sure the Qatari people will be interested in purchasing our products.

“Our products are unique and specially-made with very high quality. This is my second time attending this exhibition and it has helped my business thrive among our ideal customers,” said Fatima Abdullah Shukrullah from Shelati a Bahraini shop, which sells traditional abbayas and clothes and is participating for the second year in the fair.

The Doha Trade Fair 2012 will run to January 10th.

Opening times are from 11:00 until 22:00 daily and on Friday from 14:00 until 22:00. Entry is free.

The parade runs daily starting at 2pm.

The DTF 2012 is organized by Qatar Tourism Authority – recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Business Destination by the World Travel Awards - in association with q.media events.

Strategic partners are Seqlia, Al-Mutakamelah Tents, Batteel and Al Shohob Company.

World Travel Awards

The event comes during an exciting period for Qatar, with the World Travel Awards Grand Final set to take place in the emerging destination early in January.

Hundreds of travel insiders from around the world will gather at Katara, Doha, for the event, all waiting in eager anticipation to see who will emerge with the most sought after accolade in the industry.