(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The eighth Katara Traditional Dhow Festival concluded yesterday after drawing thousands of people to the Katara beach over five days to enjoy the festive atmosphere and learn about maritime traditions in Qatar and the Gulf region.
The event was held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who paid a visit to the festival on Friday. His Highness the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, also visited the festival.
The five-day event also attracted a number of dignitaries, including ambassadors of different countries, and hundreds of marine and heritage enthusiasts, Katara the Cultural Village Foundation said in a statement.
Marking the conclusion of the festival, Ahmed al-Hitmi, head of the organising committee, yesterday presented mementos to representatives of the participating countries and other participants and supporters.
Qatar Petroleum was the platinum sponsor of the festival.
Besides Qatar, Oman, Turkey, Kuwait, Italy, Iran and Greece, among other countries, had set up stalls at the festival featuring their marine traditions.
On Friday, the festival witnessed an announcement by Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara, about a new voyage being undertaken by famous Qatari dhow Fath Al Khair.
Fath Al Khair will set sail from the Katara beach on its fourth historical voyage in April next year.
The journey, titled ‘Fath Al Khair 4', will cover Oman, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. From Tunisia, the dhow will begin its return journey via Oman.
Meanwhile, huge crowds thronged the Katara beach over the weekend to watch dazzling fireworks displays themed on marine traditions.
'The festival showcased almost everything related to sea and marine and maritime traditions, the statement noted.
Visitors to the Katara beach were treated to traditional sea-related songs and dances, fishing and rowing competitions, products, souvenirs, equipment and techniques associated with the sea, pearl diving and shipbuilding, along with traditional cuisine, among others.
They also had the opportunity to visit different types of traditional dhows and vessels anchored at the beach and meet and interact with marine experts, veteran divers, seafarers, craftsmen and boat-builders from the participating countries.
Over the five days, thousands of children took part in art workshops focusing on life and traditions related to the sea. The morning hours were dedicated to visits by children from schools across Qatar.
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