Over 160 exhibitors from 25 countries will be present at the weeklong “Souq Waqif Exhibition for Honey and Dates,” which began yesterday and runs through March 11. It will be held in Ahmad Square.
The festival’s fifth iteration stands out because it features more than 60 varieties of honey and more than five different kinds of dates, some of which are “very rare,” according to Festival Supervisor Khalid Al Suwaidi, who spoke to The Peninsula.
“We are confident that many people will attend, especially since we are showcasing extremely rare varieties of dates and honey products. Depending on the product and what you’re looking for, prices can be very low, medium, or high, according to Al Suwaidi.
Of the 25 nations, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, and Serbia are the four that are exhibiting for the first time.
Four local date farms are participating along with over 24 honey farms.
Since the country is experiencing cool weather, more locals and visitors are anticipated during the event’s run. On the first day of the festival, people were seen swarming to Ahmad Square even before it opened.
Al Suwaidi went on to say that as the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, an influx of people is expected and that dates and honey are two of the traditional sweets for breaking the fast. Four of the more than 160 exhibitors taking part in the festival, including Balmont, Kyrgyz Honey, Balary, and Nocturne, are from Kyrgyzstan. H E Chyngyz Eshimbekov, the Kyrgyz Republic’s ambassador to Qatar, visited the festival and expressed his pride at the invitation extended to these honey-producing businesses.
The envoy stated, “Our honey from Kyrgyzstan is distinguished by its quality because it is produced from high mountain grass, it is distinctive and it is herbal grass, and as a result the quality is very clean and ecologically balanced – the output of honey is unique. Additionally, he mentioned that white honey is one of his nation’s best-selling honey products.
The Ambassador emphasized that his embassy anticipates a fruitful partnership between Qatari businesses and producers based in Krgyzstan in the coming years.
Sidr, Wild Sidr, Manuka, Stingless Bee Honey, Acacia, Meadow, White Honey, Ginger Honey, and Mountain Flower Honey are some of the honey products on display at the festival.
Halawy, Mazafati, Medjool, Jordan Banks Dates, Milk Chocolate Date Almonds, and Dates with Coconut are examples of date products.
The Souq Waqif Exhibition for Honey and Dates is open from 3.30 pm to 9.30 pm and runs through Saturday, March 11.
