Senyar, the pearl-diving and traditional fishing competition taking place at Katara - the Cultural Village, has attracted as many as 638 contestants.
The participating dhows start their fishing trips at dawn in a highly competitive atmosphere. Ahmed al-Hatmi, director of the Senyar championship, said committees of referees tour the participating dhows twice a day - once at 3pm and again at 6pm. They weigh and measure the size
of fish and pearl collected by each dhow.
The aggregate results will be declared at the concluding ceremony at Katara beach tomorrow.
Al-Hatmi stressed that the organising committee of Senyar has been keen to provide competitors with the necessary logistical services and supplies such as water and diesel, in addition to a highly qualified team of mechanics and electricians for maintenance work as well as land and marine ambulance services.
The competition started with 59 teams, but one of them dropped out because of non-compliance with the terms and conditions. Each dhow is commanded by a navigator and accompanied by eight to 11 sailors. The dhows are divided into six groups with 10 dhows in each group, with each carrying a distinct coloured flag in red, yellow, green, blue, white or orange.
Crew members of a competing dhow show off their catch.
