Doha: Completing the historical voyage of Fath al Khier2 to India, the dhow sailed on Saturday from Mumbai port heading to the Sultanate of Oman. On the 24th of October, Fath al Khier has docked in the Indian port of Mumbai amidst a significant official and popular presence on both Qatari and Indian sides.
Following its arrival to India, Fath al Khier dhow was received by; the General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti. HE Ahmed Ibrahim Al Abdullah, Ambassador of the State of Qatar at New Delhi along with H.E. Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra and H.E. Hamad bin Mohammad al Dusari, Consul General of Qatar in India. Representatives of diplomate missions were also present during the event.
Prior to their departure from Mumbai port, the crew of Fath al Khier was paid Farwell by HEHamad bin Mohammad al Dusari, Consul General of Qatar in India and Batti bin Abdullah al Nuimi, Consul General deputy and the members of the Qatari diplomat mission in India.
"We are really keen to pursue and follow up on Fath al Khier 2 voyage and get all the relevant details starting from its departure from Doha until docking in Sur till the arrival to Indian port of Mumbai. As they resume their voyage again to Muscat, we are longing to meet the sailors of Fath al Khier here in Doha to celebrate the launching of the fifth traditional Dhow festival following the accomplishment of their goal in India." (QNA)
For his part, H.E. Hamad bin Mohammad al Dusari, Consul General of Qatar in India, said: "The importance of Fath al Khier2 journey stems from its relevancy to the pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030 in preserving the Qatari Heritage and traditions. This Voyage will be a reference for the upcoming generations. This voyage was very challenging and it illustrates the historical ties between the state of Qatar and republic of India in general and Mumbai in specific for being a trade hub."
Consul General of Qatar in India lauded the role of cultural Village Foundation-Katara at reviving the marine heritage. "This Voyage recalls into our memory the journeys that our ancestors used to make in pursue of livelihood and trade, more than 60 years ago."
Commenting on their 8 days stay in India, Fath al Khier ship captain, the shipmaster of Fath al Khier Dhow, Hasan Essa al Kabbi said that the voyage to India was very constructive and the crew has checked with the competent parties to ensure the fact that Fath al Khier will sail on safe circumstances and good weather. "Sailors are longing to resume the voyage as they got used to the life on board of Fath al Khier within an overwhelming atmosphere of brotherhood amongst the crew of the dhow."
QNA
