Abayas from Qatar and the region from 10 designers and exhibitors to be showcased

DOHA JULY 19, 2011: STUNNING abayas, kaftans and evening gowns from the region's most talented designers will be on display at the Hya  exhibition to be held from the 20th to24th July, 2011 at the Doha Exhibition Center.

Organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority, Hya will showcase the latest designs and trends for abayas, kaftans and evening gowns from Qatari and international designers as part of the first exhibition of its kind in the region.

"We are gathering more than 140 exhibitors from around the region and especially from Qatar for Hya, the amazing response shows that there is a wealth of talent in designing and executing these sometimes spectacular garments," Mr. Lahdan Ghanim Al Mohannadi Head of Organizing Internal Exhibition and  Exhibitions Services Department at the Qatar Tourism Authority.

"The Qatar Tourism Authority is organizing the exhibition after studying the booming abaya market in the region and what attracted consumers to these specialized items. There is a great market for these garments in Qatar and the entire Middle East North Africa region."

The five day event will include fashion shows and demonstrations as well as the opportunity for visitors to purchase garments and other accessories.

"The exhibition will see more than 50 exhibitors including designers from Qatar alone. July is the perfect time to host this exhibition ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan and of course Eid," Mr. Mohannadi said.

"There are a great number of designers in Qatar and the region and this is the ideal platform for them to gain greater exposure and a new market for their creations. We are also expecting a large crowd of visitors for the event from both Qatar and the region."

While many associate these garments with the color black, they are also personal expressions of creativity and individuality. The abaya has both a cultural and religious legacy which has evolved over the years although the concept has been always the same. Today, the abaya is a blend of history and fashion carrying sometimes intricate patterns and handiwork.

The exhibition, at the Doha Exhibition Center, Losail Street, will be open daily from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm.

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About Qatar Tourism Authority
Restructured under the Emiri Decree (46) in 2009, Qatar Tourism Authority was given the mandate to organize, enable, and supervise the tourism industry development and to organize exhibitions in Qatar, as well as represent and promote Qatar as a quality tourism destination for leisure, business, education, and sport. Qatar Tourism Authority gets actively involved in organizing events and promotions which positively reflect on the general image of Qatar as an evolving tourism destination combining business with leisure.

For more information contact:
Rachel Morris
(+974) 7789 8124
rachel@rachelmorrispr.com

© Press Release 2011