KUWAIT CITY, Jan 25:  Qout Market launched the first event of its 11th season on Saturday at Mishref Oasis, attracting a large crowd and featuring over 130 small local projects.

Badour Al-Qassar, one of the founders of the Qout Market initiative, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that this season’s market is unique because it is located in the heart of a residential area, specifically within the Mishref Oasis, making it an attractive spot for families.

Al-Qassar highlighted that the initiative, which is the most prominent event of its kind in Kuwait for showcasing and marketing local seasonal and artisanal foods, has provided significant support to small businesses over the years. By offering a platform for these businesses to present their products, the market has helped raise public awareness and encouraged contributions to the national economy.

The first event of this season saw the participation of more than 130 local projects, including farmers, craft vendors, food stalls, and cafes. There was also a dedicated section for children’s activities and entertainment. The event drew over 20,000 visitors, while previous seasons have attracted more than 30,000 attendees at each event.

Raghda Al-Janaei, a market participant, shared that her project focuses on creating interactive sensory books for children made from brightly colored fabric. The books aim to engage children aged one to eight in educational and entertaining activities, steering them away from electronic devices.

Another participant, Nada Bin Naji, explained that her project is designed to enhance the Arab identity in children through the creation of playful characters from cotton and eco-friendly materials. The characters, which include a camel named Wadha, a falcon named Jarrah, and a duck named Ajam, all carry Arabic names. Bin Naji emphasized the importance of her participation in local exhibitions that support Kuwaiti youth by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their projects to the public.

Nour Al-Saif, another participant, shared that she is participating alongside her father, with a project featuring Sidr honey sourced from various regions in Kuwait. She explained that she does not mix the honey, as the plants that the bees feed on vary by region, giving each type of honey its unique flavor. In addition to honey, Al-Saif also makes soap using honey, olive oil, and shea butter.