Doha, Qatar: The 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival continues to captivate visitors with its distinctive events and activities, offering an exceptional opportunity to immerse in an authentic experience that reflects the life of sailors in the past. The event is being held at Katara Beach until December 7, from 3pm to 10pm.
Yesterday afternoon, the festival featured intense competition among participants in the fishing contest, held on the Katara Sword. This competition aims to revive ancestral traditions by using traditional fishing tools, such as the line and hook, instead of modern equipment.
The festival stands out for its comprehensive portrayal of Qatari and Gulf maritime heritage. Through a diverse array of pavilions, it showcases the richness of this heritage and provides visitors with an integrated experience that blends education and entertainment.
One notable participant is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. Speaking on this occasion, Walid Al Dulaimi, Secretary-General of the Museum, said, “We have been participating in the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival since its inception. This participation reflects the Museum’s commitment to promoting Qatari heritage and culture and highlighting the region’s ancient maritime history.”
Additionally, the Nokhada House pavilion features a collection of photographs documenting historical events and scenes related to Qatari and Gulf maritime heritage. The displayed documents share real stories about sailors’ daily lives, their responsibilities in leading ships, and their diving expeditions. The pavilion also exhibits old marine tools used by Nakhodas in navigation.
“The Nakhoda House offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with maritime heritage experts and discover inspiring tales of the courage and skills that defined the Nakhodas,” said the Director of Bait Al Nokhada.
“Our participation in the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival underscores our dedication to preserving maritime heritage and passing it on to future generations. We aim to highlight the crucial role of Nakhodas in the history of Qatar and the Gulf.”
Among other highlights, the festival also features engaging seminars.
