Katara: Bridging cultures and traditions through people-to-people exchange

The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, this year alone has further demonstrated its value as a meeting place for cultures, customs, and people from all walks of life, emerging as a regional centre and a well-liked attraction.

For more than a decade, it has been a breeding ground for creativity, cultural events, services, facilities, and top-tier international events – and once again, in 2022, it has accomplished not only to be a hamlet where people come together to celebrate and interact, but a place to harness people’s relationship through its programmes and events that invite camaraderie while introducing to an array of cultures.

All throughout 2022, Katara hosted several festivals for the whole year including the 13th edition of the Marmi festival held in January, where 1,400 falcons participated during the 29-day event. Followed by the 2nd Katara International Arabian Horse Festival held in February where Katara General Manager Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti described it as the manifestation of the history, culture and heritage of equestrian activities. Also in February the 10th Halal Qatar Festival took place. It provided a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences for owners.

In March, the 6th edition of Mahaseel festival was held at Katara’s southern introducing the public to an array of  agricultural and food stalls. The Fath Al Khair 5th edition also saw the cruise travel from Malta, ports in Italy, France, and Spain as it promoted the authentic Qatari maritime heritage and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - the cruise journey started in July and concluded in August.

Katara hosted the 6th edition of Katara International Hunting and Falcons exhibition (S’hail) in September, attracting more young Qataris to this tradition; The Dhow Festival also allowed people to glimpse the rich maritime culture of Qatar.

Katara Prize for Prophet’s Poet yet again gained a good reputation in the Arab and Islamic worlds achieving its goals aimed at deepening the love of Prophet (PBUH) in the hearts of contemporary generations. 

The Foundation had also opened numerous art exhibitions all throughout the year including AlBahie’s Woven Stories, Ali Almimar’s horse exhibition, Geometric study of sand line in Qatari architecture, Jordan history of civilisation, Forms of life, Elegance of Glass in Color, Treasures from heritage, and 90 minutes, Labour of love: Embroidering Palestinian history, among others. Several workshops and seminars were also conducted that enriched the creativity skills of the public.The world’s largest football boot was also unveiled in November.

During November and December it conducted grand activities accompanying the World Cup which included festivals, concerts, exhibitions, live performances, and the 12th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, among others.