Presenting their traditional souvenirs and gift items, diplomatic communities in Qatar engage in cultural exchange through SDC’s annual Diplomatic Bazaar Doha, Qatar, March 7: 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, announced the center. The multicultural Bazaar is scheduled to be held from March 15-16, 2012. SDC finalized all details pertaining to the culturally rich charity exhibit with diplomatic missions in Qatar during a meeting involving embassy officials representing countries across four continents. 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, in March 2012, and will feature traditional food, clothes, jewellery, and a selection of art and decoration items from the different participating countries. The Bazaar is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar and Katara, the Cultural Village. “We are thankful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar 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, 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 civilizations, allowing residents in Qatar to explore the cultures of coexisting communities 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 charity bazaar will be directed towards SDC’s vocational training and development department which provides training for individuals to improve their knowledge and skills in their chosen careers.

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