By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter
HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the Fath Al Kheir departure at an event witnessed by thousands of people at Katara – the Cultural Village yesterday afternoon.
Some 40 people from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, the UAE and Saudi have joined the 27-day journey considered to be the highlight of the third Dhow Festival this year.
A group of Arab performers and well-wishers led the farewell programme at the Katara beach for members of the voyage who will be back in Doha on December 18 for the Qatar National Day.
Leaving at 4pm, the boat headed to Bahrain where programmes and activities will also be held. It will then proceed to four other GCC countries before returning to Qatar.
Besides promoting tourism in the country, the Fath Al Kheir journey aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
Educational programmes have been part of the five-day festival which ends today.
Children with special needs have been given the chance to see the dhows.
With 105 participating dhows this year, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said they also welcomed 22 unique boats in the festival. The opening ceremony on Tuesday was attended by HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari and other dignitaries.
The same “cultural sessions” in the morning and afternoon are also expected to be held today. Shops from other GCC countries feature some of their products at the festival venue.
Visitors will still have the chance to see the participating dhows at the beach from 9am to 10pm today. Participants of the pearl diving competition will arrive at 4pm to attend the awarding ceremony in the evening. The festival officially ends today at 10pm.
People witnessing the departure of Fath Al Kheir yesterday.