Tokyo gets an authentic Qatari souk

Tokyo will experience all the sights and sounds of an authentic Qatari souk between September 27^th – Oct 1^st, 2012 when ‘Qatar Week: Ferjaan in Tokyo’ opens its doors. The event, held at Roppongi Hills, will represent a high point in Qatar Japan 2012, a year of cultural, sporting and business-related activities which celebrate 40 years of ties between the State of Qatar and Japan.

Ferjaan, which means ‘neighborhood’ in colloquial Qatari Arabic, will feature a large cultural village that will showcase modern Qatari culture through a historically accurate representation of a souk. The souk, which will bear a resemblance to Doha’s own Souk Waqif, will be set in Tokyo’s bustling areas, and is set to attract thousands who will be able to discover more about Qatar.

The souk will incorporate Qatari companies and organizations sharing and showcasing Qatari life, culture and business. Visitors will also be able to witness traditional Qatari national dress and experience first-hand the age-old art of Arabic ‘henna’ tattoo.

Plans are also afoot to share Qatari cuisine and Doha’s Ritz Carlton will provide guidance to a team of Japanese chefs. Also planned will be an Arabian camel and falcons reflecting the traditional world of desert life and hunting in Qatar.

By Charmaine Fernz, 13 August 2012, Monday 6:58 PM