Doha - Comit Qatar 2005 and Diyafa 2005, two international trade shows, being organised by the IFP Qatar, opened here yesterday at the Qatar International Exhibition Centre (QIEC).
Sheikh Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani inaugurated the trade shows. A large number of diplomats, businessmen and other visitors were present.
Over 120 local and international exhibitors are taking part in Comit Qatar 2005, which showcases the latest digital products and technologies.
The event is being sponsored by the Microsoft, Qatar's e- Government and Qtel. Dar Al Sharq General Manager, Abbas Al Mulla, with printing press manager, Hassan Annan, at the Al Sharq pavilion during a demonstration at the exhibition.
It also includes a Lebanese pavilion supported by IDAL, PCA and 'Ijma3', the Union of Arab ICT associations.
The Education pavilion is hosting Qatar Foundation and other educational institutions and exhibitors, showcasing applications for education, e- learning and language schools.
Comit Qatar 2005 is also featuring a 'computer shopper area', that offers latest computer technologies.
Special activities sponsored by the Microsoft will include presentation and training in open-class style, full demonstration on Microsoft media centre, and raffle draw on Xbox, software and training vouchers.
On the hand, Diyafa 2005 is an international hospitality and food exhibition. The show is being held at a time the tourism industry is growing in Qatar and the entire region.
Diyafa is a crucial event, not just an exhibition but a meeting point and a network for the entire hospitality and food sector.
"We chose to name the event Dafiya, the Arabic word for hospitality and generosity to guests, a tradition of Qataris and Arabs in general", said Albert Aoun, president of IFP Group.
Hundreds of local, regional and international exhibitors are taking part in the first hospitality exhibition staged in Qatar.
Diyafa 2005 has received overwhelming support from the Qatari and international business communities.
The show is organised concurrently with Qatar's government plans to spend billions of dollars to get it placed as a global tourist destination. Projects like new airport, the 'Pearl of the Gulf, and over 40 new hotels planned in and around Doha drive a market potential for this sector, a press release said.
'Salon Culinaire', first time in Qatar, will also take place during the event.
Professionals in the culinary art industry will compete and show their experience at special event. Cooking lessons will also be given at the show by Lebanese culinary artiste, Nazira Bitar.
Both exhibitions, which end on May 12, will be open to the visitors from 4pm to 10pm.
Visitors will be allowed to enter the exhibition after filling a registration card. Children under the age of 14 will not be allowed in the exhibition.
© The Peninsula 2005
