The much-awaited annual event, held under the patronage of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will witness another one-of-its-kind edition this year with the participation of Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Turkey, India, Greece, Zanzibar and Iran.
“Katara’s Traditional Dhow Festival has reached an important and prestigious stage on the local, regional and international levels with its activities that highlight the details of the rich maritime heritage,” Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said.
He stressed that the festival aims to attach present generations with the legacy of Qatar’s past ancestors.
Katara’s beach department head and festival chairman Ahmad al-Hitmi said the 7th edition of the festival comes in with a bundle of surprises, including the wide participation of different countries which will provide Katara audiences with an opportunity to observe maritime traditions by different cultures.
“The participating pavilions are scheduled to represent their own maritime culture, heritage and folklore, through the host of various exhibitions that address the topics of dhow manufacture, traditional old dhows, handicrafts and seafood,” he added.
“As for the opening of the third Fath al-Kheir voyage, it is arranged to head from Qatar to Kuwait, enduring the sailing trip to Oman on November 17 at 4pm,” al-Hitmi noted.
He said the dhow, which will carry 16 Qatari sailors led by the Captain Mohamed Youssef al-Sada, is scheduled to return to Qatar on December 18 as residents mark Qatar’s National Day.
The festival will also feature a number of traditional activities, including dhow exhibition, traditional performances and crafts, fish market, dhow cruises, traditional café, and Operetta (Abshero bl E’zz), apart from workshops for children and students, and Al Saliyah, which is a throwing nets show at the sea-shore.
The festival will also see two competitions: fine-arts and a photography contest. Morning sessions will be assigned for school visits and public viewing.
Katara is gearing to host this year's Traditional Dhow Festival.
Katara – the Cultural Village is all set to host the 7th Traditional Dhow Festival from November 14 to 18, an event highlighting Qatar’s maritime heritage.
