Doha: The much-anticipated 11th edition of the Senyar Festival organised by the Culural Village Foundation—Katara is set to return to Katara Beach from April 16, 2025.
Organisers have announced that registration for participants is now open, with a deadline of March 16, 2025, encouraging enthusiasts to secure their spots early.
The Senyar Festival, which features the traditional hand-line fishing “Haddaq” competition and the vibrant Lifah Festival, aims to blend Qatar’s maritime heritage with cultural celebrations, drawing locals and visitors alike.
At its core is the hand-line fishing “Haddaq” competition, a tribute to a centuries-old fishing technique that underscores the nation’s connection to the sea.
Participants will vie for prizes in categories such as largest catch and skill mastery, using traditional methods that highlight patience and expertise.
Alongside the competition, the Lifah Festival will transform Katara Beach into a hub of cultural celebration. Attendees can expect live music, folk performances, art exhibitions, and stalls offering Qatari cuisine and handicrafts. The event fosters community spirit, uniting generations through shared traditions and entertainment.
Prospective participants can register online via the official Senyar Festival website or in person at designated Doha locations. The window for entries opened on February 21 and will close promptly on March 16, 2025. Early registration is advised to ensure participation in this iconic event.
Approximately 69 traditional dhows, manned by 850 captains and sailors, participated in last year’s edition of the event.
This group included 82 individuals from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and 80 from Qatar.
The festival was sponsored by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), alongside numerous entities and companies that supported the occasion.
The Senyar Festival 2024 allowed four people from GCC countries and residents of the country to join each team, whose number of members ranges between 8 and 12.
It also allowed two children aged 10-14 to be accompanied within each team, provided that they are approximately first-class in the same bearing, in order to consolidate sea habits in the hearts of children and youth who, during previous editions, showed a great passion for following the authentic heritage vocabulary of fishing and diving.
