The photo booth at MIA Park bazaar yesterday.
While the Museum of Islamic Art Park bazaar is home to a hodgepodge of products and souvenir items, one stall stands out as it offers visitors a chance to be photographed in traditional Qatari clothing in an Arabic Majlis setting.
It has been nearly two years since professional photographer Kaleem Ahmed started his photo booth at the bazaar and so far many visitors have shown interest in availing his unique service.
“Everyone who comes to my booth really loves to have their photos taken wearing traditional Arabic dress as souvenir. I have encountered some people who said they have been living in Qatar for 10 to 15 years but never had this opportunity,” Ahmed told The Peninsula yesterday.
He said there is growing interest among expatriates in his stall as they adapt to the culture of the host country.
“They love to have their photos taken as much as I love to take their photos,” he said, adding his clients come from various nationalities such as Americans, British, Australians, Spanish, Indians, Filipinos, Canadians and Belgians.
“Many expatriates want to visit an Arabic Majlis but they are hesitant and feel shy so they don’t get the chance to hold an Arabic coffee cup in their hands, so I provide them a very good opportunity to experience it, and even children love it,” he explained.
Inscribed on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last year, the majlis is a vital element of Qatari community’s social and cultural life as it is where they sit to discuss issues, exchange views and resolve problems. Recreating the majlis in the photo booth gives the authentic Arabic feel to visitors as their photos are taken.
Men can wear the white thobe complete with ghutra and agal for the headdress while women can choose hand embroidered red, green or black Arabic Kaftan in addition to a golden headdress to don. Then, they are instructed on how to sit in the majlis and pose for the camera.
Because preparation takes time, the booth witnesses around 10 photo sessions in a day but Ahmed said he is satisfied with the turnout.
“I’m not after the number but the fact that I give people the chance to have photos that they can keep and remember many years after they leave this country,” he said, adding some people even have the photos framed and displayed in their living rooms while others post them on social media.
Launched in 2012, the bazaar comprises around 150 stalls offering food, unique gifts, handicraft, works of art, jewellery, perfumes, toys, accessories, clothing and other souvenir items sourced from various countries. It is open from 3pm to 10pm on Fridays and from noon to 7pm on Saturdays until April.
