The ninth edition of the annual Katara Traditional Dhow Festival launches at 3pm today at Katara Cultural Village with the participation of 11 countries offering diverse activities lined up for the next 13 days.
Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Turkey, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Iran, and Zanzibar are taking part in the festival which celebrates maritime heritage through a variety of artistic and cultural events, competitions and shows.
Among the highlights of the festival are children’s and artisan workshops as well as performances of popular bands and an operetta that open a window into the maritime heritage of Qatar and the participating countries.
“The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is becoming more and more important year after year. The wide participation for the ninth edition of the festival reflects its distinguished position as a prominent and preferred destination at the local, regional and international level,” Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara commented yesterday.
Al Sulaiti was delighted that the festival coincides with Qatar’s hosting of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, adding he expected the festival to witness huge turnout of visitors who can enjoy its unique activities and attractions.
He stressed how the festival reflects Katara’s continued efforts in inculcating the importance of preserving maritime heritage for generations by providing great opportunity for people to get acquainted with the maritime heritage of Qatar and other participating countries.
Ahmed Al Hitmi, Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee shared the same view on the festival’s important role in preserving maritime heritage and entrenching it in the minds of young people.
Al Hitmi said that this year’s festival is characterised by high quality events, competitions and activities. He said the festival will host eight traditional maritime competitions such as rowing, sailing, paddling and Senyar contests to be held from 3pm to 10pm throughout the week.
Apart from the unique display of traditional dhows which the festival has come to be known for, he said that the festival will also feature an array of food options available in restaurants and cafes spread along the beach, workshops for the manufacture of heritage vessels and traditional boats, and a handicraft market with skilled craftsmen who will demonstrate how to make various products related to maritime and folk industries such as sail, fishing nets, rope and mats.
Visitors to the festival will find everything that fishermen and divers need. In addition, there will be a fish market which will showcase all kinds of fresh fish abundant in Qatar.