Al Shaqab Community Fair to educate children on indigenous products of Qatar

Doha: Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, is organising a series of community fairs as part of its community engagement initiative.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (Baladiya) and the Quranic Botanic Garden (QBG), the inaugural Al Shaqab Community Fair, will feature products of Qatar, namely, honey, flowers and Kanar, the fruit of the Sidra Tree. The Sidra tree and its fruit are the iconic symbol of the country’s heritage. It is related to the Qatari culture and has grown in the deserts of Qatar for generations.

Part of the objective of the community fair is to educate children on these indigenous products of Qatar and QBG and Baladiya will also conduct two workshops for the duration of the Community Fair.

This will be the first Community Fair to be organised and will be held from February 11 – 17, 2018 at the first floor of the Al Shaqab Outdoor Arena Concourse from 9am to 5pm.

Visitors will not only be able to enjoy the Community Fair but also have the opportunity to watch or participate in the other events taking place at Al Shaqab.

The event will also coincide with the 27th Qatar International Show (February 11 & 12), Qatar National Sports Day (February 13) and Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour (February 16 & 17).

Workshop 1 – Journey Into Flowers (10:00 – 11:00 am)
A journey to explore the parts of flowers will be an unforgettable experience for students, children and families. Using the magnifying glass and special microscope, visitors will see the pollen grains, anther and stigma of the flowers up, close and personal.

The workshop will also provide visitors with a clear view of the process of pollination where pollens are transferred from the anthers to the stigma, creating offspring for the next generation.

Workshop 2 – Future Proofing – Growing Plants for Qatar (11:00 am – 12:00 noon)
Visitors will discover the limitless benefits of plants to the environment, community and heritage. With the support of Baladiya and QBG, visitors will receive hands-on opportunity to grow plants and take it home with them.

In addition to the workshops, children will be able to participate in a Flower Planting Competition. Prizes will be awarded to the best growing plant 2 weeks after the end of the Community Fair. Bouncing castles and pony rides will also be available for young children to enjoy their day at Al Shaqab.

Entry to the fair is free.