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Hisham ALJUNdi
Doha
HUNDREDS of families and visitors gathered at the Katara Beach on Thursday evening to attend the 6th traditional Dhow Festival organised by Katara cultural village.
Attendees, including residents and tourists, were exposed to the subtle differences in cultures of the GCC States through its handcrafts, food, traditional music and dances at the festival.
Different activities and tournaments were held at the festival including presentation of a traditional Qatari operetta telling the story of Qatari seamen who saved a large fleet.
The festival also featured some traditional tournaments reflecting Qatari culture, such as rowing, pearl diving and weaving fishing nets.
The festival has attracted a large number of tourists from the GCC, especially from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
Atef al Qahtani, a Saudi citizen who is visiting Qatar for the first time, said"I follow Katara on Twitter. I have come to attend this unique festival with my family for the first time. I think it is a great opportunity for us to learn about GCC heritage."
Traditional handcrafts of the GCC states were on display at the festival while professionals such as blacksmiths (Baker), ship makers (Ghallaf) and tent designers could be seen glued to their craft.
Field trip arrangements have also been made for school children at the festival with two dhows dedicated to take them on 20-minute cruises in order to introduce them to the Qatari and GCC maritime heritage.
The festival will end on November 19 with a concluding ceremony. More tournaments, activities and fun await visitors of Katara during the couple of days.
