TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA DIPLOMATIC missions from 22 countries are expected to showcase a wide array of cultural items during the Social Development Center’s (SDC) 8th Diplomatic Bazaar preparations for which are already in full swing, an SDC statement said.

The multicultural Bazaar is scheduled to be held from March 15 to16, 2012.

SDC has finalised all details pertaining to the culturally rich charity event with diplomatic missions in Qatar.

Held biennially, the Diplomatic Bazaar has become part of Qatar’s community fabric, designed to celebrate different cultures.

The 8th Diplomatic Bazaar will take place at Katara, the Cultural Village featuring traditional food, clothes, jewellery and a selection of art and decoration items from different participating countries.

The Bazaar is sponsored by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Katara, the Cultural Village.

“We are thankful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for sponsoring the Diplomatic Bazaar, and therefore playing an active role in promoting diversity in our society. We are also grateful to Katara, the Cultural Village, for sponsoring and hosting this event, which fits in perfectly with the traditional atmosphere of the venue,” said Amal al Mannai, executive director of SDC.

During the planning meeting, SDC and representatives from 22 participating countries discussed and agreed on the strategic direction for the Bazaar including the event theme, venue layouts, booth designs, and exhibition guidelines, with the officials seeking their feedback on the final dates and timings of the event.

This year’s theme revolves around traditional souvenirs and gift items.

“This theme was chosen as another way of bridging the gap between civilisations, allowing residents in Qatar to explore the cultures of communities coexisting through items that everyone can enjoy,” said al Mannai.

“Given the highly positive feedback we have received from previous Bazaars, as well as from diplomatic missions this year, we are expecting this year’s event to be very successful,” she said.

The Diplomatic Bazaar is a way to foster cultural exchange between nations, as well as expatriate and local communities in Qatar, enabling them to interact and explore opportunities of collaborating with each other. A total of 41 diplomatic missions participated in the last Diplomatic Bazaar held by SDC.

Funds raised from the 2012 Bazaar will go to SDC’s vocational training and development department which provides training for individuals to improve their knowledge and skills in their chosen careers.