Al Meera Opens “MAAR” Convenient Stores in Doha Metro Stations

May 30, 2019

Al Meera Consumer Goods opened its sub-brand “MAAR” convenient stores at two Doha Metro stations as part of the company’s ambitious expansion strategy aimed at providing exceptional services and wide selection of goods to metro passengers.

Thanks to Al Meera’s two new “MAAR” stores - the first retail outlets in Doha metro - at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC) station, and Msheireb station, passengers will have the best selection of affordable grocery products.

Al Meera’s Deputy CEO Salah Al-Hammadi said in a press statement that the opening of the two convenient stores at DECC and Msheireb stations marks an important milestone towards strengthening partnership between Al Meera and Qatar Rail. He added that “MAAR” aims to bring metro commuters the ease and convenience of quick purchases to save them time and meet their needs, while on the go”.

He added: “as the demand for convenient retail experiences increases, and the number of residents and communities in Qatar continues to grow, Al Meera always looks for new ways to adapt its offerings, in line with this, partnering with Qatar Rail allows us to reach a new shopper segment through our neighboring convenience store concept and bring our unique offering and great moments to an even wider customer base.”

In a statement during the opening ceremony, Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Bader, CTO of Al Meera, said that the number of branches scheduled to open in Doha metro stations amounts to 14 branches in all lines. He pointed out that the branches of "MAAR" will be of great economic feasibility, as they will serve all commuters of Doha Metro, as well as tourists during World Cup 2022.

He pointed out that Al Meera will open four new branches by the end of this year in order to keep pace with the country’s urban development, and plans to expend outside the borders of Qatar in the Sultanate of Oman by opening large branches to serve some vital areas in the Sultanate.

With regard to plans for the development and update of old branches, Eng. Al-Bader confirmed that Al Meera has developed a plan to renovate 20 branches, pointing out that some branches have recently been completed, while others will be completed within the next month.

“We are pleased to see Al Meera opening its mini market at the metro stations as it is a significant step in the integration of Qatar Rail’s services. We look forward to continuing the enhancement of the travel experience of public transport users across our network through this pioneering partnership,” said Qatar Rail’s Strategies & Business Development Chief Ajlan Eid Al-Enazi.

Through partnership with Al Meera and the launch of the “MAAR” chain, commuters will be able to satisfy their basic shopping needs, which enhances the concept of the integrated transport experience Qatar Rails aims at achieving.

Mr. Al-Enazi pointed out that the red line will see the opening of 86 stores that have already been selected and a located, a large number of which belong to Qatari entrepreneurs and major Qatari companies. He added that all stores in the Red Line are currently occupied and will be opened in a successive manner. It should be noted that the number of commercial outlets along all three metro lines of Doha metro will amount to 200 stores.