The 9th edition of Qatar’s Traditional Dhow Festival kicked off at Katara – the Culture Village Foundation, yesterday, under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The event mirrors Qatar's deep-rooted connection with the traditional sailing boats, dhows, and showcases the country's rich marine heritage as well as marine traditions in the region.
The event is open to the public from 9 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 10 pm every day until December 16.
Several countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Turkey, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Iran, and Zanzibar are participating in the event.
The opening of the 9th edition of Qatar’s Traditional Dhow Festival saw His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, former minister HE Dr Mohamed Saleh Al Sada, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sualiti and a number of other dignitaries in attendance.
"This is the first time that the Dhow Festival is being held over two weeks. It is also coinciding with the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Football Tournament and the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019," said Dr Sulaiti while launching the festival.
The Dhow Festival is the most distinguished among the traditional and cultural festivals and seeks to inspire the young generation to learn and follow from their forefathers’ cultural past, he added.
"Katara has put in all efforts for people of all ages and from all walks of life to come and see this exciting and encouraging festival. We expect many more people this time and of all nationalities, and also fans of football who are and will be in Qatar through sport," Dr Sulaiti said.
The festival will witness participants present some pieces of their related traditional music and dance.
This is in addition to an exciting program packed with activities, events, and exhibitions, traditional art, as well as competitions, cultural and recreational activities that give special focus on the traditional marine history of the participating countries.
Director of the Turkish Culture Center, Doha, Dr Selcuk Kursad Koca stressed that the festival gives ample room for the participants to showcase their marine culture and traditions.
He described it as a celebration of marine life and an active hub for related cultures from different countries to meet at a single platform to display their related culture, arts, history craftsmanship, and folk heritage.
The event will also include art workshops for children among other activities.
A forum during the festival will host the crew of Fath Al Khair 4, which completed a historic voyage in Europe promoting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last July.
Maritime competitions including rowing, sailing, Al Haddaq, free swimming, Al Brikha, Al Jinan, Shoush and Tafrees, in addition to Senyar competition, will also be held during the two-week festival.
Moreover, the event will feature 'Al Qumash,' a storytelling presentation by schoolchildren about Qatar’s rich pearl diving history, the glorious maritime history, on Thursday and Friday, at 7 pm and 9 pm.
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