Superstars Kareena Kapoor and Sonu Nigam were in Doha, Qatar last week to be part of the Shop Qatar 2018 Bollywood Week. Their appearance at the annual shopping festival, organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), comes as part of the country's efforts to attract more visitors from the Indian Subcontinent.
Indian visitors are among those now eligible for a visa waiver that is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, entitling them to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days (multiple-entry waiver).
To further promote Qatar as a welcoming, authentic and easily accessible destination for Indian nationals, QTA plans to open a representative office in India.
Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA, said, "Shop Qatar 2018's differently themed weeks echo the country's message of welcoming the world and leverage the country's new status as the most open country in the region. We were very pleased to see the Bollywood Week so warmly received by both Qatar's residents and visitors and look forward to further promoting the country as a welcoming destination in India."
He added, "As we turn the pages of the next Chapter of the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, we are strongly focused on diversifying our visitor source markets in Asia and the Indian market is one we are particularly keen to tap into with the opening of our representative office planned later this quarter."
In a colourful celebration of the Indian subcontinent's vibrant culture and arts, the second week of the festival (January 14 - 21), saw a unique line-up of activities at malls and special venues across Qatar. The week featured a Bollywood Fashion Show with a dazzling display of Saris and Lehenga-inspired dresses.
The showcase of over 100 looks featured outfits by six celebrity designers including Vikram Phlankis andArchana Kochhar. The evening's show was crowned with a guest appearance by Kareena Kapoor. Later in the week, the multi-talented singing sensation Sonu Nigam serenaded his fans in a four-hour performance at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
In addition, malls participating in Shop Qatar also hosted a variety of Bollywood-themed pop-up shops inviting mall-goers to create and personalise their own embroidered khussa slippers, bangles and much more.
The second edition of the country's biggest shopping festival, Shop Qatar runs from 7 January to 7 February 2018 under the slogan 'A Brand New Tradition'. It offers discounts on popular brands, car and cash prizes worth over QAR 4 million (USD 1.1 million ), and a colourful schedule of fashion-forward and entertainment events.
The Festival invites visitors to discover the full range of shopping destinations the country has to offer, from luxury malls and high-end shopping complexes to entertainment-rich shopping centres, as well as authentic souqs and bazaars.
Retail outlets around Qatar are providing special offers and discounts of up to 50 percent on a range of consumer goods including clothes, electronics, cosmetics and accessories for men, women and children.
"A lot of my fans are in Qatar, I know that. I would like to thank Shop Qatar 2018 this opportunity for being here. This is my second time in Doha and I definitely can say it's not my last," said Kareena Kapoor.
"One day I would like to come as a visitor, without work, and just spend some days and enjoy the original Qatar experience. I am sure there is so much to see," added Sonu Nigam.
"To me, Doha has always been was a stopover destination when I am travelling to different parts of the world. Now that I am on the ground, it's just stunning: the hospitality and people are so beautiful, I just love being here! I think getting a platform to do a closing show here was just the most outstanding experience. I would love to come back again as it is as close as home; it's not far away and it is beautiful destination," said Vikram Phadnis.
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