Doha: The Cultural Village Foundation - Katara inaugurated on Wednesday the 13th edition of the Halal Qatar Festival at the southern area of Katara. The festival features prominent participation from livestock breeders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, attracting a large audience of heritage enthusiasts and lovers of traditional culture.
Chairman of the Festival's Organising Committee Salman Mohammed Al Nuaimi told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Halal Qatar Festival aims to attract all interested parties and livestock breeders in Qatar and the region, adding that since its inception and after 13 years, the festival has become one of the largest and most influential events in establishing the concept of genetic improvement among breeders to enhance animal production efficiency.
He highlighted the Organising Committee's commitment to involving and supporting productive families in the festival, in addition to organizing various activities and events for school students and festival visitors.
Al Nuaimi explained that the Halal Qatar Festival has established its prestigious position among breeders from Qatar and the GCC countries, thanks to its unique economic platform for displaying and acquiring the best types of livestock, including sheep and goats, and highlighting their features and specifications.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee added that this year's edition includes several new additions and developments to enrich the experience of participants and visitors. The festival features a variety of competitions, including the "Mazayen" competition for selecting the most beautiful livestock, bidding on rare breeds, and direct sales exhibitions.
The Festival's activities began today with the Mazayen competitions, where breeders showcased the best types of livestock in different categories in the presence of a judging panel and livestock experts.
The first day also witnessed auctions for some distinguished breeds of goats and sheep, adding excitement to the event. In addition to the competitions, the festival includes a range of accompanying activities and events, such as a comprehensive market featuring veterinary pharmacies, date stores, honey and sweets shops, traditional foods, and handicrafts, along with drawing and crafts workshops for children and a traditional tent (Beit Al Shaar) to introduce children and visitors to traditional lifestyles.
A dedicated area for children has been set up, allowing them to experience horse and camel riding in a fun and safe environment, helping to introduce new generations to the heritage of horsemanship and desert transportation.
The Festival also saw the opening of an art exhibition in collaboration with Gallery 38, featuring the works of nine artists from Qatar and various nationalities. The artworks are inspired by the desert heritage and its authentic elements, adding a new cultural dimension to the Festival.
The Festival will continue until February 24, blending authenticity and heritage. It serves as an outstanding platform to promote the Gulf heritage related to livestock breeding (sheep and goats) and includes a variety of competitions and traditional shows that attract heritage and folklore enthusiasts. It also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about rare livestock breeds and their breeding methods in an environment that simulates desert life.
The Cultural Village Foundation - Katara has been organizing the Halal Qatar Festival annually, recognizing it as one of the most prominent heritage festivals that contribute to preserving the Bedouin heritage and traditional customs, fostering a deep-rooted legacy in the hearts of the younger generation, and providing them with a realistic portrayal of various aspects of desert and wilderness life.
