Latest news with #Hamba
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Pakistani mango expo concludes with record sales of over 228,000 kg
Tribune News Network Doha The second edition of the 'Hamba' Pakistani Mango and Products Exhibition concluded on July 19 at Souq Waqif's Eastern Square. Organised by the Celebrations Organising Committee of the Private Engineering Office, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Doha, the event drew widespread praise for its organisation and the high quality of products on display. Over the 10-day period, the exhibition welcomed more than 101,200 visitors of various nationalities. Total mango sales reached an impressive 228,929 kilograms, surpassing last year's figure of 225,929 kilograms—reflecting growing public trust in the event and the excellence of its offerings. This year's edition featured a wide variety of Pakistani mangoes, specially imported from different regions across Pakistan, including Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Sindhri and Dussehri. The mangoes were air-shipped daily to ensure top quality, freshness and peak ripeness for visitors to enjoy. The event saw participation from more than 60 Qatari companies and over 10 specialised Pakistani mango exporters, alongside more than 25 restaurants and food outlets offering creative dishes and traditional desserts made with mangoes—creating an immersive culinary and cultural experience that was met with enthusiastic response from attendees. The organising committee provided a fully air-conditioned environment to preserve the quality of the mangoes and enhance the visitor experience, making the exhibition a standout destination throughout its duration. As part of the exhibition's health and safety measures, the organisers coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health to conduct routine laboratory testing on random mango samples. The results confirmed that all samples were free from pesticide residues or harmful substances and complied with approved food safety standards. Khalid Saif Al-Suwaidi, Exhibition General Supervisor, said: 'We are proud of the tremendous success of this year's Hamba Exhibition—both in terms of record-breaking sales and the remarkable public engagement. We exceeded last year's figures, which clearly reflects the audience's satisfaction with the quality, organisation and overall experience.' He added: 'This year's key strength was the daily air-shipment of premium mangoes at the peak of their season, alongside the diverse participation of restaurants and companies from both Pakistan and Qatar. This combination created a rich experience that showcased authentic flavours and Pakistan's agricultural heritage.'
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Outpouring of love for Lira as she takes to CTIJF stage: 'Giving up was never on my plate'
The crowds cried with Lira in an emotional and truly outstanding performance at the CTIJF 2025. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Everyone was singing along and had smiles, from ear to ear, giving award-winning songstress Lira an outpouring of love as she performed at Cape Town International Jazz Festival's Kippies stage tonight, Saturday, April 26. It was the first time in a number of years that Lira performed in Cape Town, and the crowd made sure to make it an unforgettable one for the singer. The South African afro-soul singer marked a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years. Her stroke, which she suffered in 2022, left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, her show in Cape Town has been her first major festival. In full action: Lira. Image: Bheki Radebe Lira was overcome with emotion, and shook her head a little in disbelief at the love she received on Saturday night. At one point, she let one tear fall down her right eye, but made sure to regain composure wanting to deliver a wonderful performance. She did just that, as the crowd was ready to welcome her with open arms. "Giving up was never on my plate. It didn't even occur to me. Now I'm standing on this stage, looking across all of you." "I struggled to talk, and I didn't focus on singing… In December I noticed I could sing. "In January of 2024, I decided to practice my song and singing came very easily to me, and I got my life was a difficult journey but it was worth it,' Lira said. 'I'm living in the moment… The stroke was a blessing to me. I learned to appreciate what life has to offer.' Lira delivered an energetic and joyous performance filled with Lira's timeless classics such as "Feel Good," "Hamba", "Believer," and "Something Inside So Strong". Lira moved the crowd to tears and to screams of joy at this years CTIJF. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Thulisa Dyantyi, 31, and her friend, Thandolwakhe Skeyi, were dancing and singing along throughout her set. They said it was amazing to see her back on stage. 'I don't know the last time I've seen Lira performing like that, but it was so liberating,' Dyanti said. 'She is such a good performer, and it just took me back to the days where I was still in high school, and Lira was just one of my favourite playlists.' Skeyi said they want to see more like it from her. 'We love it and we want to see more of it. We loved her show, it was an amazing performance. The enigmatic Lira in action at the TIJF Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers 'Prior to her performance, she spoke to IOL Lifestyle and said: "I thought I'd have to give up singing, but I've been singing since last May, and being in front of the audience, I feel loved and supported. I really missed being on stage, and the audience had missed me…" "It's a great way to spend time sharing our talent."Lira, who faced immense challenges after suffering her stroke, has become an inspirational speaker, sharing her story with others facing similar difficulties. "Even if I had no words, unable to speak, I'd use gestures and act out what I was trying to say. After a year and a half, I managed to speak enough so I could tell my story. I've been working as an inspirational speaker for under two years, and it's been so good for me.
