http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3927/whaj.jpg Nearly two weeks before the Qatar National Day celebrations, many commercial complexes in the city have been draped with giant national flags. As in the previous years, vertical and horizontal versions of the national flags could be seen on the facades of commercial complexes and atop buildings, especially those situated along the busy roads in and around the city limits. Though not many vehicles have been seen plastered with the huge stickers of the flags, some are seen sporting miniature stickers of the flag on their rear windshields. However, a marketing company official said that from this week onwards, purpose-built vehicle flags would appear in large numbers. Along with the building owners, government agencies have also started preparations in a big way, with national flags already seen fluttering alongside the street lamp posts and purpose-built posts, especially on the road dividers, as is seen along the Corniche. Those in the business of flags and other mementos have expressed anticipation that sales would peak in the next 10 days. A visit to one of the major book and office stationery shops with branches all over the city reveals that both locals and expatriates are buying miniature flags, head bands and stress balls designed in the national colours. “However, flags and stickers constitute the bulk of our sales,” said a salesperson at a branch on Airport Road. Inquiries made at marketing companies revealed that the demand for giant flags from institutions, both in the government and private sectors, has shown a phenomenal rise in the last few years. Most of the flags, inquiries found, are either made in China or Singapore, and are entering the market through the UAE firms. Flags made of good quality materials are priced anywhere between QR100 and QR150 per square metre. Flags are designed and made in Qatar as well. One of the manufacturers, Top Printers, which specialises in what one of its officials termed as “eco-friendly and environmental-friendly” flags, said that there has been an exceptionally good demand for such flags from both government and private agencies. http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/373925/demand-up-for-flags-as-complexes-%E2%80%98dress-up%E2%80%99-for-national-day

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar