The new first to market Mall chatbot “Bahja”, offers visitors quick access via WhatsApp to mall information and services 

Doha, Qatar – 5, April 2022: Doha Festival City, Qatar's one and only choice for shopping, dining, and entertainment, announced the launch of its latest digital application, the mall’s exclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Whatsapp chatbot ‘Bahja’, which means ‘Joy’ in Arabic, is part of the Mall’s efforts to deliver a faster, more convenient service to its visitors.

Through Bahja, customers can have quick access to mall information and services. The chatbot enables customers to ask questions and receive answers, enabling them to find information on the latest events and offers in an instant messaging format. Visitors can also book their VOX cinema tickets directly, find items they are interested in buying through the shopper assistance feature, and conveniently reach their shopping or dining outlet using the wayfinding feature.

Robert Hall, Doha Festival City’s General Manager, said: “Introducing this intuitive chatbot feature is part of our digitization efforts to provide visitors with a more personal and convenient experience. As leaders in the retail field, we aim to be at the forefront of technology to accelerate the delivery of our services and enhance their accessibility. We are keen on staying at the frontier of the national digitization drive in ways that enable active visitor engagement.”

This innovation follows an award-winning Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot Doha Festival City developed for the Bon Appetit Food Festival where visitors and tenants enjoyed a completely touchless experience. Using the Chatbot, visitors were able to fulfil several functions such as registration, acquisition of coupons and tickets, participating in draws, in addition to receiving notifications and promotions. 
 
In the coming months, Doha Festival City will release even more exciting functions for Bahja chatbot users including club memberships, a rewards programme, and access to raffles and activations. To contact Bahja, visitors can send a WhatsApp text to the number +974 4035 4444. 

Doha Festival City is applying the necessary safety protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are required to show their green EHTERAZ status at the entrance of the mall and to wear a mask inside retail shops. Social distancing stickers have been placed throughout the mall to ensure customers are following the safe distance measures.

Doha Festival City’s Ramadan opening hours from the 1st of Ramadan till the 16th of April are: 

For retail:                 Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm then 7 pm till midnight

                                  Friday                                       1 pm    till midnight

For dining:               Iftar till midnight                   (a few outlets till 1 am)
For hypermarket:   9 am till midnight