Qatar Foundation’s inaugural Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts kicked off amid much fanfare on Thursday.

The five-day cultural and creative journey started off in the presence of Qatar Foundation CEO and Vice Chairperson HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani.

On opening night, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performed, taking the audience on a musical journey through the fantastical tales of 1001 Nights. The performance incorporated traditional musical instruments with Arabic poetry by Mustafa Said.

“Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts casts a spotlight on the rich tapestry of Arab-Islamic culture, spanning the ages from the dawn of Islam. From this enduring beacon, we take a spark, one that restores our civilisation’s rightful standing among the nations, and ushers in a radiant future for generations yet to come,” Sheikha Hind was quoted as saying in a statement.

Al Ghorrah, which is running at the Education City until December 2, will celebrate the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilisations in many forms.

“Al Ghorrah is an important milestone not only for literature and arts, but also for performances and soft ways of expression in Qatar. Our target audience includes children, youth, and people interested in the arts. We offer various programmes, shows, activations, and workshops. All activities share a common theme — the importance of self-expression, art, and their role in shaping culture and personal identity,” Al Ghorrah Project Manager and Qatar Foundation’s Engagement and Activation Lead Hend M Al Thawadi was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.

Al Ghorrah’s opening night also staged Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, a play written by famous playwright Saadallah Wannous and directed and produced by Maher Salibi. It will be staged again today, from 7 to 8pm, at Al Ghorrah’s Main Theater in Oxygen Park.

The multicultural zone features offers various activities, including bookmark, puppet, and map making, treasure chest decorating, lamp colouring for children, Arabic calligraphy and leather crafting techniques.

Activities at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) include beginner and advanced calligraphy workshops, opportunities to explore floral motifs from Islamic art and historical geometric patterns, and workshops on Islamic miniature painting.

Daily tickets are priced at QAR50 for adults and QAR35 for children aged four to 14. Specialised workshop tickets cost QAR200, while access to the adventure room is QAR10.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. 

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial