The sixth Fath Al Khair Voyage was launched by Katara – the Cultural Village Friday as part of the 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, which concludes Saturday after 11 days.
The launch event was attended by Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti in the presence of a large gathering.
The journey includes stops in Oman and Sharjah.
The Fath Al-Khair dhow embarked on its journey led by Captain Salah Ibrahim al-Mannai, accompanied by around 20 sailors and four Houri-type boats.
They sailed toward the Boom Saffar vessel anchored off Katara Beach.
Captain al-Mannai then gave instructions to his crew on how to set the sail, marking the beginning of the historic sixth voyage.
The journey commences from Qatar’s pearl banks, passing through Shura’awa and Sir Bu Nair Island in the UAE, with the first stop being Musandam Governorate in Oman to participate in the Musandam Winter Festival.
From there, the voyage continues to Khor Fakkan in the UAE for the Second Khor Fakkan Maritime Festival.
The departure ceremony featured an operetta showcasing traditional maritime arts and scenes inspired by the farewell rituals performed by families as they bid goodbye to sailors and pearl divers.
Accompanied by traditional chants, children's folkloric dances, and Naham songs, the ceremony vividly depicted the seafarers' sentiments before they embarked on long fishing and diving expeditions.
The performance brought to life Qatar’s maritime heritage and the enduring traditions and noble values passed down through generations.
The 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival stood out with diverse and engaging programmes that blended tradition, history, and modernity.
The festival featured international participation, with displays along Katara's southern waterfront showcasing traditional crafts and maritime handicrafts that emphasise ancestral values and cultural identity.
Skilled artisans and craftsmen offered workshops and exhibitions of high-quality handmade products.
Visitors to the festival flocked to the Traditional Dhow Exhibition, where they admired the sailing vessels moored along Katara Beach with the modern skyline of The Pearl and Lusail City towers forming a majestic backdrop.
The scene symbolised a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity, offering an inspiring setting for contemplation and appreciation of Qatar’s maritime legacy.
Families explored the traditional vessels used for fishing, pearl diving, transport, and voyages, interacting with maritime craftsmen demonstrating their skills, such as making fishing nets and fishing traps.
