Doha, Qatar: Under the patronage of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the fifteenth edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival commenced at Katara's Southern Area 'Fereej Katara', drawing large crowds from across the country and the region.

The event runs until December 18, 2025, hosting participation from 12 countries: Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Palestine, India, Iran, Tanzania, Iraq, and Sudan, transforming Katara into a vibrant cultural hub and underscoring the festival's esteemed regional status.

The Director General of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation H E Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said during the opening:“The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is a prominent cultural and heritage event that has established itself as a key platform for celebrating maritime heritage and preserving the collective memory and traditional crafts of our nations.”

“This year, we have expanded the festival's area more than ever before, allowing visitors to enjoy a richer and more diverse experience, while offering artisans, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts greater space to showcase their skills and craftsmanship. We also take pride in the broad participation of friendly and brotherly countries, reflecting Katara's cultural prominence and the international community's confidence in its role,” he added.

The festival features a rich programme of folk performances, live workshops, and dedicated exhibits showcasing ancient navigation tools and traditional shipbuilding techniques, reflecting the diversity of cultures and the unity of maritime narratives.

Khaled Al-Amri, an exhibitor and craftsman from Oman who participates annually, expressed his gratitude to Qatar and the festival's organisers.
“The setup for the event is perfect. All facilities and support were provided to participants. It is a great chance to connect directly with customers and visitors from the region,” he told The Peninsula.

Al-Amri added that his participation is part of a family legacy:“It's a family legacy that has been passed down from one generation to another.”

From the UAE, pearl diver and author Moustafa Al-Fardan told The Peninsula:“Today, we participate in the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival in the brotherly State of Qatar, representing the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah, to showcase our nation's deep-rooted cultural and historical maritime heritage.

We extend our gratitude to all those who contributed to giving us this valuable opportunity to take part in this grand public celebration, which we consider a cultural, social, and historical festival.”

“Our participation aims to highlight the historic identity of the UAE, as traditional dhows, the wooden boats and ships, played a major role in shaping the Gulf's history and identity,” he added.

The first day witnessed a large turnout from both regional and international visitors.

Ves, a visitor from Scotland on a stopover in Qatar, said to The Peninsula that he was amazed by the experience:“I visited Qatar and the GCC before, but it is my first time seeing this kind of festival. It is a great chance to experience it and to communicate with many locals and visitors.”

“Qatar is bringing together tradition, heritage, and development, from the great airport to the streets and skylines.”

The festival also features rowing and fishing competitions, heritage exhibitions, and various marine contests held along Katara Beach, complemented by traditional markets that highlight the craftsmanship and authenticity of local artisans.

A large area is dedicated to families and children, offering educational and recreational activities such as the family fishing competition, drawing and colouring workshops, and children's boat races.

Meanwhile, the festival's main arena hosts major competitions including Al-Midaf pulling, sailboat races, and Buraikha races.

The heritage majlis presents a series of seminars and lectures bringing together researchers and experts to explore the history, traditions, and legacy of the Gulf's maritime heritage.

As one of Qatar's most prominent cultural destinations, Katara continues to play a leading role in preserving the country's heritage and showcasing it to the world.

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