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Monoprix Qatar Celebrates the Second Edition of ‘Eat Spain, Drink Spain’ 2026

Eat Spain, Drink Spain, part of a global gastronomic campaign held across 18 countries, officially launched in Qatar on September 20, 2026, with Monoprix Qatar opening the activation at its Place Vendôme store. Organised by ICEX Spain Trade & Investment, the campaign runs until October 4, bringing the flavors and culinary heritage of Spain closer to customers through a curated selection of authentic Spanish products, food tastings, a special Spanish buffet, and engaging in-store experiences.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Embassy of Spain, including the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Teresa M. Puerta González, and Economic and Commercial Attaché, Ms. Susana Castro-Acuña Baixauli. Ali Bin Ali Holding’s COO of Consumer & Hi-Tech Retail, Mr. Sébastien Farhat, and Monoprix Country Manager, Mr. Chadi Bou Antoun, also graced the event.

Celebrating the occasion, Ms. Gonzalez pointed out that the Embassy was pleased to collaborate with Monoprix Qatar for the ‘Eat Spain, Drink Spain’ campaign to provide customers in Qatar with an opportunity to discover the quality and diversity of Spanish culture and products. “Initiatives like this celebrate our heritage while strengthening the cultural and commercial ties between Spain and Qatar,” she said.

At the ceremony, attendees were taken through a tour of the Place Vendôme store, exploring specially curated displays showcasing a wide range of Spanish fruits, vegetables, and authentic Spanish products. The displays offered customers the opportunity to discover the diversity and quality of Spanish produce and culinary specialties exclusively available at Monoprix Qatar.

Celebrating the event, now in its second year for Monoprix, Mr. Farhat added that, “This event has allowed us to bring the rich Spanish experience to our customers and the general public, a tradition that transcends beyond shopping at Monoprix.”

A special food tasting counter was also featured during the opening, allowing guests to experience a selection of Spanish flavors, accompanied by snacks and beverages, creating an authentic taste of Spain within Place Vendôme store.

As part of the wider campaign, guests and customers at Monoprix Qatar will experience a variety of Spanish-themed activities throughout the two-week celebration. A special Spanish product display to showcase products of the day will similarly be exhibited during the period.

The campaign will conclude with a closing ceremony on 4 October, marking the end of the celebration at Monoprix Place Vendôme.

The ‘Eat Spain, Drink Spain’ celebration reflects Monoprix Qatar’s commitment to offering customers distinctive experiences, spotlighting the authentic flavors, premium products, and rich gastronomic heritage of Spain.

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Café Pouchkine celebrates Arabian Women with its exquisite catering and exclusive lounge experience

Renown restaurant, Café Pouchkine catered the opening ceremony of the 8th Edition of the Arabian Women event, held from October 5th to 10th, 2024, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha, Qatar. This prestigious event celebrated the achievements and contributions of Arabian women, fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment within the community.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including media representatives, bloggers, and esteemed guests from the Qatar Cancer Society and Qatar Chamber. This gathering not only highlighted the importance of supporting women in various fields but also served as a platform for networking and collaboration among influential figures in the community.

During the event, Café Pouchkine had the exclusive honor of setting up and operating an elegant pop-up lounge exclusively for the occasion, where guests were treated to an exquisite ambiance that reflected the elegance and sophistication of Arabian culture. The lounge similarly complemented the stunning fashion show and captivating entertainment that was organized at opening ceremony of the event, creating an additional vibrant atmosphere that resonated with the theme of the celebration.

Attendees enjoyed a carefully curated selection of culinary delights, including trays of filled dates, mini savory pastries, and an array of refreshing drinks. Additionally, a specially designed menu was available for the public, ensuring that everyone could partake in the wonderful experience that Café Pouchkine is famous for.

Café Pouchkine is committed to creating welcoming and indelible experiences that celebrate culture and community. As Café Pouchkine reflects on this remarkable week, it is reminded of the significance of events like the Arabian Women gathering. They play a crucial role in empowering women, promoting unity, and celebrating the rich heritage of Arabian culture.

For more information about Café Pouchkine and its delectable cuisines please visit its restaurants in 21 High Street or Place Vendome in Doha, Qatar.

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Café Pouchkine expands its presence in Qatar with new outlet at Place Vendome

Café Pouchkine, renowned for being one of Qatar’s popular luxury dining locations with a unique Russian heritage, opened its second outlet at the glamorous Place Vendome Mall in Lusail City. Hosted by Ali Bin Ali Hospitality in Qatar, the café opened its doors to the public on the 5th of January, 2023.

Stationed right at the heart of Place Vendome, Cafe Pouchkine is located on the ground floor of the mall’s south side. The café sits right under the glass dome of the Parisian-inspired structure and blends seamlessly into the architecture, which radiates luxury and extravagance while conveying a touch of cultural and artistic feel. The interiors of the café are equally elegant with the all-white décor. The intimately carved woodwork creates a modern yet classic look that quintessentially describes Café Pouchkine.

Already known as one of the best tea-rooms in Qatar, Café Pouchkine offers a wide range of gastronomical delights. From a snack menu that includes surprising club sandwiches to the timeless café de Paris streak, via delicious Blini – or lunch “à la carte” with crispy dusk salad, or a beef Stroganoff, the cafe promises to take taste buds on an international voyage of discovery. Enjoy a dreamy afternoon with their signature tea and coffee accompanied with a crowd-pleasing section of desserts, including honey cake and macrons.

Commenting on the launch of the new café, General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar said, “Ali Bin Ali Hospitality is always looking to elevate the hospitality experience for the people of Qatar, and the opening of the new Café Pouchkine outlet is part of that mission. Place Vendome, with its touch of cultural and artistic feel, made it the perfect pairing for us as a location to house Café Pouchkine. The entire team at Café Pouchkine is ready now to serve guests in a new and exciting location, while remaining true to the superior dining experience we have been known to deliver, time and time again.”

Since the brand opened its first café in 2019 at 21 High st as the country’s only restaurant, tea-room and patisserie with an authentic origin hailing from Moscow, Café Pouchkine has continued to rise in popularity among locals and residents in Qatar, who seek unique, high-end experiences.

 

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Galeries Lafayette Doha inaugurates first-ever Ritz Paris boutique

In yet another milestone for the brand, Galeries Lafayette Doha inaugurated the first-ever Ritz Paris international boutique on October 9, 2022. It was an ideal occasion to reveal iconic objects and star products from the legendary Place Vendôme hotel, such as collectible porcelain tableware designed for the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, emblematic tulip lamps and celebrated peach-hued peignoirs.

The official inauguration was followed by a VIP event on October 18 to celebrate the launch of the boutique. The exclusive reception was hosted at the Galeries Lafayette La Suite Penthouse where the décor was enhanced with merchandise and decorative elements from Ritz Paris. Live jazz music and Ritz Paris’ signature mocktail drinks set the perfect tone for the occasion.

Present at the event were Ambassador of France to Qatar H E Jean-Baptiste Faivre, Board Member of Ritz Paris Ms. Natalie Bader, who spearheaded this project, and Head of Strategy & Operations of Galeries Lafayette Doha Ms. Al Ghalia Ali Bin Ali.

Located on the ground floor of the French Department Store, the Ritz corner shop offers a complete universe of different categories of products, expressing the style of the Ritz, its magnificence, its soul, and the symbol of the French art of living.

Complementing the boutique, a pop-up corner right at the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha has also been set up to mark the launch. Enchanting and playful, the entrance with hot air balloon baskets symbolizes the joy of travel. The pop-up will be stationed at Galeries Lafayette till October 31.

The boutique expresses all the spirit of the Ritz Paris through its architecture, colors and ambiance. It reprises the essence of the hotel’s illuminations, arcades, moldings, play of mirrors and incomparable 18th-century style with a fresh energy.

Customers are greeted in a retail environment conceived like a dining room and a dressing area, comprising six dedicated spaces: the art of entertaining, home and bath linens, fragrances, gifts and decorative objects, games and accessories, and the brand-new Frame x Ritz Paris fashion capsule collection. The boutique also offers several custom services, such as personalized embroidery — an excellent opportunity to treat others, or oneself, to a little magic of the Ritz Paris.

“More than a hotel, the Ritz Paris today is an iconic, brilliant, vibrant lifestyle that intends to shine all around the world through its products and services. This Doha boutique was designed for all those who love the Ritz Paris, but also and above all for those who dream of discovering it and sharing in a little piece of the legend and French art de vivre,” said Ms. Natalie Bader.

Speaking about the latest partnership, Ms. AlGhalia Nabeel Ali Bin Ali said, “At Galeries Lafayette Doha, we always look to collaborate with iconic and international brands to bring an exclusive experience for the people in Qatar. With the new Ritz Paris Boutique, our clients can enjoy the brand’s exclusive range of products which truly captures the essence of French ‘Art de vivre’, allowing them to experience the refinement of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.”

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Popular global brand Wagamama opens third restaurant in Doha

In a memorable opening on October 16, 2022 at Doha’s Place Vendôme, Ali Bin Ali Hospitality opened its third outlet for Wagamama restaurant, one of the global brands it stewards in Qatar.

In his statement during the launch, Ali Bin Ali Hospitality Group General Manager, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar, noted that he was thrilled about the opening of the new eatery. “Vendôme is one of Qatar’s best-known and luxurious shopping centers, and therefore a perfect choice for opening the new outlet,” he said. He added that the ambiance of the new location only adds to the allure of the restaurant and it is expected for more customers to visit.

The story of Wagamama began in early 1992 with the opening of the very first restaurant in London’s Bloomsbury, which was inspired by traditional Japanese noodle bars and Asian inspired flavors. In Qatar, the brand has captured the attention of its guests with its exciting and inclusive casual dining experience with a stylish and contemporary setting.

The new Wagamama restaurant promises unique experiences for diners as it offers exclusive menus, set-up, and ambiance, among other exquisite features that resonate with the Place Vendôme. The Place Vendôme is one of Qatar’s lavish malls that exudes grandeur and style.

The new branch reaffirms the restaurant’s continued dominance and popularity among food enthusiasts, who seek memorable experience with their most desired cuisines. The new joint will continue to reinforce Wagamama’s philosophy of a “positive eating and positing living” for all.

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ABA Holding launches world’s largest Monoprix store at Place Vendome mall

Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Market Hall division has inaugurated world’s largest Monoprix outlet at Place Vendome in Lusail – the new home for luxury and fashion in Qatar. The renowned French retail chain’s store, which boasts of more than 35,000 high-quality goods spread across its 9,000sqm location, opened its doors to the public on Friday, April 15.

Located on the ground floor of the sprawling Place Vendome, the Monoprix store near Entrance 2 of the mall is not only convenient to find but also easily accessible for shoppers.

The new Monoprix outlet, the chain’s sixth store in Qatar, is everything you would expect from your favorite French hypermarket. Apart from the wide range of local and international brands, the store creates a variety of dedicated in-store experiences for its clientele. From restaurants, candy stores to exclusive electronics, kitchen gadgets and organic food items, Monoprix is here to modify your retail experience.

Apart from the already-popular Monoprix Fish M Fish, SaladM, MCrust, MGrill, MPizzeria and Crepe M Waffles, the new store also has MTacos, which offers the true taste of Mexican Tacos to savor authentic Mexican Street comfort foods. Prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked right in front of the guests, these restaurants have undoubtedly strike the right chord.

Speaking at the soft opening of the hypermarket at Place Vendome, Lusail, Mr. Sebastien Farhat, Monoprix’s Regional General Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that our newest and largest outlet is now open. Responding to the demands of our loyal clientele, Monoprix is always looking forward to expand its retail footprint in Qatar and our presence at the glamorous Place Vendome is part of that mission. We want the people of Qatar to experience the extraordinary world of Monoprix and enjoy every bit of it. This is not just a hypermarket, it is a world of its own where you can shop, eat and relax.”

Monoprix Qatar is one of the most popular hypermarket chains in Qatar. The retail chain currently has six stores in Qatar: Palm Towers – West Bay, Doha Festival City, Medina Centrale at The Pearl-Qatar, Msheireb Galleria, iCONIC 2022 building in Aspire Zone and the new store at Place Vendome Mall.