05:05Qatar: 'Bisht’ manufacturers experience business boom after Messi wears cloak at World Cup ceremony
A Doha business specialising in traditional 'bisht' cloaks has been inundated after Argentine captain Lionel Messi was seen wearing their garment at the World Cup presentation.
"We didn't know this bisht was going to be given to Messi," said Assad Haj, from the Sit Salem workshop. "An average person asked us for two bishts to be made with specific measurements and specific fabric quality."
"While watching the match, we knew that the bisht was of our made from the manufacturer's name on the bisht's collar. The reverberations were magnificent afterward. The next day, many foreigners began visiting the place and asking about the bisht and its industry."
Footage shows the store, as well as customers trying on the robes, which are made from light material trimmed with real gold, and worn on special occasions.
"When we saw the Emir putting this bisht on the shoulder of Messi we said: 'This is a great great honour'. We can not give greater honour to someone as we are doing [when we are putting] bisht on his shoulder. It was real great, something nice that he had," said one customer.
Prices usually range from around 1,000-8,000 SAR (250-2000 Euros), with the one worn by Messi costing 4,500 SAR (1,100 Euros). The robes, part of the Qatari national dress, are traditional worn by royalty and top officials, and for weddings and graduations.
05:05A Doha business specialising in traditional 'bisht' cloaks has been inundated after Argentine captain Lionel Messi was seen wearing their garment at the World Cup presentation.
"We didn't know this bisht was going to be given to Messi," said Assad Haj, from the Sit Salem workshop. "An average person asked us for two bishts to be made with specific measurements and specific fabric quality."
"While watching the match, we knew that the bisht was of our made from the manufacturer's name on the bisht's collar. The reverberations were magnificent afterward. The next day, many foreigners began visiting the place and asking about the bisht and its industry."
Footage shows the store, as well as customers trying on the robes, which are made from light material trimmed with real gold, and worn on special occasions.
"When we saw the Emir putting this bisht on the shoulder of Messi we said: 'This is a great great honour'. We can not give greater honour to someone as we are doing [when we are putting] bisht on his shoulder. It was real great, something nice that he had," said one customer.
Prices usually range from around 1,000-8,000 SAR (250-2000 Euros), with the one worn by Messi costing 4,500 SAR (1,100 Euros). The robes, part of the Qatari national dress, are traditional worn by royalty and top officials, and for weddings and graduations.