The seventh edition of the Halal Qatar Festival, which has become bigger and better than ever before, kicked off at the Katara Cultural Village yesterday.

The festival was launched on the southern area of Katara – the Cultural Village — with the ‘Al Nukhba’ (elite) auction of special breeds of sheep and goats, as well as educational and art activities, reported Gulf Times.

Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said the event had become bigger than before.

“We’ve expanded the area for this year’s edition of Halal Qatar Festival to feature more pavilions, shops, activities and competitions like Al Mazayin (a beauty contest for goats and sheep),” he was quoted as saying by Gulf Times.

The Halal Qatar Festival features three main events, namely Al Mazain — a beauty contest for sheep and goats, Al Mazad — a public auction of livestock — and stables where various breeds of sheep and goats are displayed, reported The Peninsula. 

There will also be educational and entertaining activities, stage shows and competitions to be held throughout the festival days in the mornings and evenings.

Dr Al Sulaiti said the festival is set to welcome students from various schools across Qatar from Saturday (from 8am to 12noon) until March 10. It is aimed at ‘keeping the new generation in touch with the history and heritage of their forefathers.’

The children will be able to take part in eight workshops at the event, including painting, sculpture, pottery and livestock-related activities.

Many livestock breeders and veterinary shop owners were among the participants in the festival, in addition to other related professions.

The festival’s 2018 edition will also feature photography exhibitions, traditional food at several stalls, folkloric songs and traditional games, as well as an old souq, traditional tent, horse and camel rides.

Picture courtesy: Gulf Times