Qatar Culture Minister Inaugurates Diyafa 2011

Doha, November 22 (QNA) - HE Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari inaugurated on Tuesday Diyafa 2011, The 6th International Hotel, Restaurant and Food Exhibition in Qatar, organized by International Fairs and Promotions (IFP) Qatar at the Doha Exhibition Center. HE Dr. Al Kuwari cut the opening ribbon in the presence of several media representatives covering the three-day event. After a tour in the exhibition, and sampling the various side events and activities featured in the show this year, he expressed his glowing pride in Qatar s touristic boom, highlighting the impact of this new drive, beyond its economic implications, in advertising Qatar s spirit of hospitality at the heart of its people s culture and tradition. Dr. Al Kuwari praised Diyafa as an exhibition serving the country s tourism sector, saying: "Qatar s pioneering spirit across every field requires the combined efforts of all those concerned in the private and public sectors; it is for this reason that we are here today to offer our support and encouragement to shows such as this one that complement our work as overseers in developing our country and strengthening its position in the world." Over a period of three days, the exhibition will witness several events aimed primarily at capacity building for stakeholders in the Qatari tourism sector at different levels, and improving specializations. In addition, the exhibition will exhibit best practices in quality control, safety, hygiene and other essential aspects in appraising a country s level of touristic services. In this context, Boecker Public Health, the Middle East leader in food safety and Diyafa 2011 partner, is holding special training sessions over 3 consecutive days in food safety and risk analysis in catering for employees of the tourism sector. This year, the show also focuses on other trainings for developing skills and professional competences, such as the sessions held by the "Red Bull Bartender Academy" where trainees compete against each other by demonstrating very intricate and entertaining techniques in preparing cocktails, drawing in huge crowds of spectators. However, the cooking competition remains without a doubt the most anticipated part of the exhibition, pinning 130 of Doha s top specialized chefs against each other. On the first day of Diyafa 2011, the competition featured contests of taste and skill in 5 different categories: the "signature dish", bread, hors-d oeuvres, pates, and the fruit and vegetable carving standoff, among the most impressive displays. Aside from the entertainment aspect aimed at the exhibition s public, the high level of specialization on the business side of Diyafa should indeed be commended. To summarize, Diyafa 2011 combines business and entertainment in an event that clearly mirrors the ambitions of Doha and Qatar in general towards becoming one of the world s favorite tourism, business and leisure destinations. (QNA)