*The festival will be held with all Covid-19 precautionary measures
The 10th edition of Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is set to take place from December 1 to 5 with the participation of Qatar and four other countries: Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and Zanzibar (Tanzania), it was announced on Monday.
The festival, under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, enjoys a distinguished and distinct identity, highlighting authentic maritime traditions inspired by Qatar’s rich heritage.
In a press statement, Katara said the festival features a number of competitions and marine shows, in addition to a variety of cultural activities and events that reflect ancestral heritage. It also sheds light on the ancient maritime history aimed at restoring culture and preserving folk heritage.
The activities include exhibitions displaying maritime heritage collections from various participating countries, special pavilions of traditional handicrafts, and workshops showcasing ship-building process and ancient craft, among other marine competitions.
The festival will also hold story-telling and traditional stage shows at the Katara beach front, apart from Al Shoush, Al Haddaq and Al Tafris competitions. It will also see the participation of the Omani Folk Band, which will provide artistic performances in the mornings and evenings on all days of the festival.
“The 10th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is being launched this year amid continuing health and safety precautionary measures against Covid-19 as per the Ministry of Public Health protocols to protect all members of society,” Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said.
“The distinguished festival is based on the remarkable success it has achieved in the past decade as the most important international cultural and heritage forum that restores maritime heritage in its originality, arts and tradition, through activities that contribute in culturally enriching the younger generation. The festival is much awaited each year and has a special place in the hearts of its fans and visitors,” he said.
“The festival over the years has also been attracting wide attention of researchers and those interested in the region and the world, for its heritage maritime paintings that reflect customs, traditions and the strong connection with sea life, and embody communication with the past, including its noble values and ancient traditions that extend to the present. The festival is part of the continuous efforts of Katara to showcase culture and heritage, and in preserving the national identity,” Dr al-Sulaiti said.
The latest edition of the festival has partnered with Qatar Insurance (insurance sponsor), Qatar Airways (carrier), and Qatar Petroleum (platinum sponsor).
Katara noted that in many ways, the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is culturally unique, which sees the Katara beachfront come alive with activities of dhow boats, ancient maritime market place, traditional sea fishing methods, modern gadgetry, and authentic traditional festivities accompanied by food and music.
Having grown exponentially over the years, the dhow festival – where traditions are revived and renewed – occupies a valuable stature as a prominent destination for heritage and culture and attracts visitors of all nationalities.
The event will welcome visitors from 9am to 12noon, and from 3.30pm to 10pm daily. On December 4, it will open from 3.30pm until 11pm.
