Qatar has a deep-rooted history with the traditional sailing boats, also known as dhows. It was in these boats that Qataris went out to sea in search of pearls and fishes.

Even after the discovery of gas on its shores, Qatar has made it a point to continue its deep affection and love for dhows.

Ten years back, Qatar launched an event that celebrated the history of the boats. It is the latest iteration, the 10th Traditional Dhow Festival will be held at the Katara Cultural Village from December 1-5, 2020.

Participating countries in this edition along with Qatar are Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and Zanzibar.

انضموا إلينا في #مهرجان_كتارا_للمحامل_التقليدية العاشر واستمتعوا بأجواء تراثية مميزة من 1 - 5 ديسمبر 2020 #كتارا #قطر #الوعد2022#كتارا_ملتقى_الثقافات

Join us to the 10th #Katara_traditional_dhows_festival & enjoy a delightful heritage atmosphere from 1 - 5 Dec 2020#Roadto2022 pic.twitter.com/vhbi49zv5W

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) November 22, 2020

The festival will be featuring some exciting competitions, traditional marine performances, cultural activities that will reflect on the heritage of Qatar's ancestors.

Additionally, the festival will include exhibitions of the maritime heritage collections from the participating countries, special pavilions for traditional handicrafts, several workshops for making ships and ancient maritime crafts, and the heritage marine competitions at the Katara Beach (Shoush, Haddaq, and Tafrees).

There will also be story-telling sessions and traditional stage shows at the Katara beach.

This edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival will also see the participation of the Omani Folk Band. artistic performances by the band can be enjoyed by the visitors on all days of the festival.

“The 10th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is being launched this year amid continuing health and safety precautionary measures against Covid-19 as per the Ministry of Public Health protocols to protect all members of society,” says Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara.

“The distinguished festival is based on the remarkable success it has achieved in the past decade as the most important international cultural and heritage forum that restores maritime heritage in its originality, arts, and tradition, through activities that contribute in culturally enriching the younger generation. The festival is much awaited each year and has a special place in the hearts of its fans and visitors,” he added.

The festival will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm daily. On December 4, the festival will open to the visitors from 3:30 pm until 11:00 pm.

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