DOHA: The fourth edition of Halal Qatar Festival which opened on Saturday at Katara has seen a 40 percent increase in the number of participants in various categories, say organisers.
The total number of participants this year has reached 476 compared to last year, making it one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, told the opening ceremony of the 10-day event.
To accommodate the increase in the number of participants provide additional facilities, organisers increased the venue to 24,000sqm, said Salman Al Nuaimi, Vice-Chairman, Festival Committee.
Among additional facilities and services is free WiFi at the venue and ushers to guide foreign tourists around, he added.
It took four months to prepare for the festival which features activities, including Al Mazayen, a beauty contest for goats and sheep; Al Mazad, a public auction of the finest goats and sheep; Al Hadayer, barns containing goats and sheep; and a forum for livestock owners and breeders.
Around 300 students from schools visited the festival yesterday. The trips aimed to introduce them to local heritage and traditions embodied in the festival’s activities.
Visitors, including students, also witnessed activities such as handicraft-making, including Sadu, a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women, folk dances presented by children and traditional games played by children in traditional costumes.
Children also enjoyed riding camels and ponies and taking souvenir photos.
A traditional market selling handicrafts, Qatari food, coffee, perfumes, olive oil, dates and spices also attracted many visitors.
The top five winners in Al Mazayen beauty competition for camels yesterday included Abdullah Mubarak Al Mannai, Rashid Mubarak Al Hajri, Nasser Hassan Al Kubaisi, Khalifa Ali Al Kubaisi and Hamad Omar Al Mannai respectively. They will receive QR100,000; QR50,000; QR30,000; QR15,000 and QR10,000.
Five competitors were also chosen for a consolation prize of QR5,000 each. All winners received certificates and commemorative shields.
The festival runs until March 9 in the southern part of Katara.
The Peninsula
