Children taking part in a cultural show during the D’reesha Festival.
Doha: Local culture and heritage was the main essence in the second edition of Qatar Foundation’s D’reesha Performing Arts Festival this year as the Al Khater House in Education City hosted events that aimed at highlighting the history of Qatar to help further strengthen the sense of national identity among members of the local community.
Events at the Al Khater House included Qatari Arda activities for children, folk games, traditional crafts, figurative art, and poetry evenings.
Huda Al Shammari, who visited the activities of the Al Khater House with her children, said: “The presence of these cultural events brings us even closer to our identity. The attention to the smallest details of the folk games and the Qatari Arda presented by children were impeccable. We also enjoyed the popular foods of Qatar.”
Al Shammari said that her visit to the Al Khater House and the various activities there brought back many memories from her past.
“I make sure that my children visit such events because it is important to develop a love of culture and heritage of your own country from an early age. It is important to promote our culture and values to future generations.”
Al Jazi Al Nuaimi, who visited the festival with her friends, said: “Qatari identity is vital to our social fabric. And this type of a cultural event that revives our history and showcases our heritage strengthens our idea of national identity while increasing awareness among the present generation.”
Maha Khoury, a visitor from Palestine who came with her family who reside in Qatar, said: “This is my first visit to Qatar, and I am impressed by the cultural activities organised by the Qatar Foundation at the Al Khater House. I was able to learn so much about Qatari culture and tradition.”
Khoury praised Qatar Foundation’s efforts in preserving the nation’s culture and heritage, as well as the initiatives of passing them on to future generations.
“What caught my attention is the presence of the Al Khater House in its original form inside a modern educational complex such as Qatar Foundation. This indicates interest in enhancing the sense of national identity, and in highlighting the history of Qatar.”
D’reesha Performing Arts Festival will conclude its activities on Saturday, and open to all, daily passes to the festival and all its shows are QR35 for children 3-11 years old and QR50 for those aged 12 and above, while children under three can enter for free.
