SPIEF 2021: Qatar takes a slice of the Arab World to St. Petersburg

Tribune News Network Doha Qatar has presented a slice of the Arab world at Russia’s flagship business conference — the St Petersburg International Economic...

Tribune News NetworkDohaQatar has presented a slice of the Arab world at Russia’s flagship business conference — the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) — that began in the port city on Wednesday. On the territory of Pavilion G of Expoforum, over an area of 2,000 square meters, Qatar — the SPIEF Guest Country — recreated the atmosphere of a real Arab city, complete with streets and a central square. At the entrance to the pavilion, guests are welcomed by the Majlis of Qatar — a traditional zone of hospitality and the first spot of acquaintance with Qatar. Guests will be treated to delicious Arabic coffee, will have an opportunity to see a miniature of the main pavilion of the country and get acquainted with the organizer of Qatar’s participation in the SPIEF — the Qatar-Russian Center for Cooperation (QRCC).The entire pavilion is united by a large-scale suspended installation: a translucent structure made of ephemeral rattan mesh in the form of arcades, volumetric walls and oriental arches creates a stunning image that refers to the authentic architecture of Qatar. This solution organically forms and zones the volumes of functional spaces, as well as symbolizes the connection between the past and the present of Qatar.The main business area of the Qatar Pavilion is divided into two parts. The first zone contains the stands of the entities that form the Qatari delegation. Each stand has its own unique design, reflecting the unique features of each of the companies. Another zone - Doha Hall - is a discussion venue, where heads of ministries and departments, heads of key companies in the country, representatives of the expert community will discuss strengthening of economic and political relations between countries, building business and cultural ties, cooperation in the field of ecology and nature protection, etc. The business program reflects not only the economic potential of Qatar, but also a wide range of interests of the country in terms of international cooperation. All events are thematically grouped and arranged in accordance with the days of forum.It is fundamentally essential for the delegation of Qatar that the material component of the Pavilion after the closure of SPIEF-2021 finds a “second life”. Therefore, within the framework of the Material Continuity Program, the material resources of the pavilion (pieces of furniture and plants) will be donated and distributed to Russian universities, libraries, and museums.Within the Heritage Program, volunteers will be recommended to the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC-2022) and will have an excellent opportunity to take part in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022; a special book edition with the best recipes of Qatar cuisine is planned for publishing, and a special digest in Russian about the art of Qatar will be presented, including valuable funds from the National Museum of Qatar.This approach is in line with national and international goals, such as the Qatar National Concept and the Sustainable Development Goals, which have been accepted by the United Nations General Assembly and are to be achieved by 2030. The ceremony of handing over the heritage of the Qatar Pavilion will take place on June 5, 2021 at 13:00. As a reminder, Qatar will take part in SPIEF 2021 as a Guest Country. At the forum site, the National Pavilion of Qatar will be deployed, which will fully represent the economic potential of the Middle East country. It is expected that the Qatari delegation will become one of the largest in history of Forum and will bring together high-ranking officials, politicians, business representatives, heads of government and public organizations.