Deputy General Manager and Director of Human Resources at Katara Saif Saad Al Dosari and Ambassador of Pakistan H E Muhammad Aamer during the event.
Doha, Qatar: The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara hosted a Pakistani rice and traditional rice-based sweets tasting event yesterday in cooperation with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the State of Qatar.
The event took place at Building 32 in Katara and was attended by Deputy General Manager and Director of Human Resources at Katara Saif Saad Al Dosari, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Muhammad Aamer, as well as a number of officials, guests, and individuals interested in learning about Pakistani culinary culture.
In his remarks during the event, the Ambassador expressed his appreciation to Katara for hosting the gathering, which provided an opportunity to highlight the cultural and civilizational aspects of Pakistan.
He spoke about Pakistan’s geographical and climatic diversity, stretching from deserts in the south to towering mountain peaks in the north, a diversity that has contributed to the richness of its agricultural and food products.
The Ambassador noted that rice is an integral part of Pakistani identity and daily life, emphasising its significance in the country’s cultural and culinary heritage. He also highlighted Pakistani mangoes as an important element of the nation’s cultural legacy and one of its most renowned agricultural products. The Ambassador announced that the Pakistani Mango Festival will be held in Qatar from July 9 to 18, offering visitors the opportunity to discover a variety of new Pakistani mango cultivars.
He further pointed to Pakistan’s contribution to the production of footballs used in major international tournaments, underscoring the country’s presence in numerous economic, industrial, and cultural sectors worldwide.
The event also shed light on the global standing of Pakistani rice, noting that Pakistan is the world’s third-largest rice exporter, with annual production exceeding 11 million tonnes. A significant portion of this output is exported to more than 150 countries around the world.
Special attention was given to the distinctive qualities of Pakistani rice, particularly Basmati rice, which is renowned for its premium quality and naturally aromatic fragrance. Organisers emphasised that the product represents a rich agricultural and cultural heritage passed down through generations.
Speakers highlighted the central role rice plays in Pakistani cultural identity, featuring prominently in social occasions and traditional celebrations, as well as in a wide range of popular dishes and desserts. Among these was Kheer, a traditional rice pudding that attendees were invited to sample during the event.
