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. In its latest iteration; the 10th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival began at the Katara Cultural Village on December 1 and will run until December 5.

The opening ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, HE the Former Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, General Manager of Katara Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, and a number of ambassadors, dignitaries, and visitors.

They marked the opening by taking a traditional dhow ride, followed by a tour of various sections of the festival including activities that reflect on the heritage of Qatar and highlight their relationship with the sea.

سعادة د.خالد بن ابراهيم السليطي، مدير عام #كتارا، يفتتح #مهرجان_كتارا_للمحامل_التقليدية في نسخته العاشرة 2020 بحضور عدد من أصحاب السعادة والسفراء#سلامتك_هي_سلامتي#كتارا #قطر #الوعد2022 #كتارا_ملتقى_الثقافات #كتارا_وجهة_ثقافية_سياحية pic.twitter.com/UK4R20EBTi

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) December 1, 2020

 

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

The festival features 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 also features Omani Folk Band. Artistic performances by the band can be enjoyed by the visitors on all days of the festival.

“Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is considered a vital and important part of the cultural life of Qatar, and indeed the Arabian Gulf, and an important contribution to the world heritage," says HE Dr al-Kawari.

HE Dr al-Kawari praised the organizers for holding the festival for the 10th year in a row while also being keen to have new additions annually, making it not only a cultural event but also a social, artistic, and heritage event.

The festival is taking 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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Cover & Inline Image Source: Katara/ Twitter