Katara Hosts First Doha Auction of Antiques

Doha, March 03 (QNA) - The first Doha auction for rare artifacts was inaugurated at Katara yesterday to encourage young people interested in antiques and old artifacts to come together and display what they have to offer. Jassim al-Mohannadi, the organizer of the event, said that 5% of the income from the sales would be donated to the Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) organization to support its humanitarian efforts. The auction had the participation of collectors from all GCC countries, Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Egypt. There were around 300 pieces on display and they included swords, ancient coins, postal stamps, decorations, plates, ancient documents, vintage passports and pictures and various old items, the Qatari English daily (Gulf Times) reported Saturday. Meanwhile, Saqr al-Muhannadi, the Central Municipal Council member, pointed out that the idea of such auctions would further enhance the tourism industry in Qatar. He hoped that the event would be held annually. Some items on display date back to the Mongols, Fatimid and the Ottoman Empire. (QNA)