DOHA: The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park Bazaar opened yesterday featuring dozens of stalls selling various products such as food, jewellery, arts, crafts, clothing, books, souvenirs and perfumes among others. Scheduled every first Saturday of the month except during summer, the bazaar proved another added attraction to the growing popularity of the recently opened MIA Park as a major destination for domestic tourism. Even though yesterday’s was just the inaugural event for the bazaar, many vendors have already participated not only because it was offered free of rent, but also it was an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to introduce their products and showcase what they do best. Among the dozens of participants in the bazaar, a stall which uniquely stood out was The Hobby Horse Lady being the only stand which sells hobby horses and camels, which appeal to many Arab children. For three years now, Julia Bonner herself has been creating all the colourful hobby horses and other toys using materials sourced locally. She is upbeat of the success of bazaar being well-organised saying she plans to participate in the following months. “I think this is a good opportunity to be somewhere different,” she said. Another participant, Nina Lumberio, said the bazaar offers people chance to display their ingenuity and offer their products to local market. “This definitely gives people a platform to showcase their arts and crafts and what they do best,” she said. Many people thronged the bazaar to sample sumptuous food such as regular and special cupcakes prepared by Nina, cookies, cakes and deliciously prepared Asian and Arabic food. They also checked on the various items on sale such as books, toys, accessories, arts and crafts all at very reasonable prices. Truly the bazaar is meant for the entire family to enjoy and a place for friends to meet. “The bazaar is a great way to bring people together, have fun and an excellent means to enjoy the weekend,” said a visitor at the bazaar. More vendors are expected to take part in the next edition of the open air market which offers spectacular harbour views and a modern take on Qatar’s souq tradition. It is open from 12 noon to 7pm at the MIA Park every first Saturday of the month except during summer. The Peninsula

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