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The 10th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival got off to a sedate but colourful start on a cloudy yet breezy afternoon by the beach of Cultural Village Foundation – Katara on Tuesday.
Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, former Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada and Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti marked the opening along with ambassadors and other dignitaries by taking a ride in a traditional dhow boat.Expressing pleasure at the launch of the 10th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival -- which now is renowned for reviving maritime heritage and history besides culture and folk tradition -- His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Sulaiti said, “The festival has reached the hearts and soul of visitors and heritage lovers which includes citizens and residents of all nationalities of Qatar. This festival through heritage, history and story-telling brings alive folklore to the people through the distinctive activities that also contribute to the spread of culture as well as reflecting contemporary generations.”
Dr. Al-Sulaiti stressed said that the festival is being held with all precautionary and Ministry of Public Health protocols in place within the framework of the plan for the gradual lifting of the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
He added that the festival plays as a prominent role in keeping the older and younger generations bonded in culture and heritage and showcases to people the heritage of Qatar’s maritime past and present, and also that of other participating countries.
The same can be found in a wonderful painting about the relationship of the earlier generations with the sea and its importance in their lives and why it is important to preserve authentic heritage.
The festival achieves its objectives in enhancing the status of the marine heritage of the society in addition to its vital role in preserving Qatar’s maritime heritage and defines it locally, Arabian, and internationally.
Five countries apart from Qatar are participating at the festival, which includes Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Iraq, India, and Tanzania.
As soon as the sun began to set over the sea, the festival began to glow resplendent in the mix of tradition and culture as stream of visitors and families, maintaining social distancing, began to flow.
The festival once again has a lot and unique things on offer including live oysters and pearls along with their live fishing examples for all to see.
Traditional and impressive dhows and wooden boats, live artists with eye-catching paintings, special pavilions of traditional handicrafts, and workshops showcasing ship-building process and ancient craft, history museums, pottery and fishing art, fish markets, food and music enlivens the festival on all days.
As in the past one decade, the festival is also characterised by a number of competitions and marine shows, besides a variety of cultural activities including drones.
There will also be story-telling and traditional stage shows throughout the festival at Katara beachfront and also include Al Shoush, Al Haddaq and Al Tafris competitions.
The Omani Folk Band is providing artistic performances in the mornings and evenings on all days of the festival.
This year’s edition of the festival is partnered by Qatar Insurance, the Official Insurance Sponsor, Qatar Airways, the Official Carrier, Qatar Petroleum, the Platinum Sponsor, and Al Meera.
