DOHA: Katara has received 70 applications a day after it opened registration for various categories of the fourth Halal Qatar Festival to be held from February 28 to March 9 at the southeastern part of Katara.
Katara opened registration for the 10-day festival on Sunday and by Monday it received 70 applications, mostly through SMS from by from Qatar and neighbouring countries.
Organisers expect the number to rise as registration ends on February 15.
This year’s edition consists of four main competitions, 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, according to Khalid Al Shahwani, Chairman of the organising committee.
There will also be events and activities such as a traditional market with sections for handicraft, occupations and food. A committee has been formed to judge Al Mazayen based on standards.
Al Hadayer competition will see 20 barns with animals available in Qatar. Priority will be given to elders and those who have not yet participated in this category and QR10,000 has been allocated for each participant.
There will a daily public auction of some of the best breeds of goats and sheep of sale in the afternoon.
New at this year’s festival is the forum for livestock owners and breeders in which they will tell the public about their efforts to raise animals and show them.
Animals participating include Arida goats and Arab and Syrian sheep. There will be five judges — Qataris and GCC nationals — for each type of animal.
In addition to the five owners prize, this year the organisers have increased satisfaction prizes from six to 10, each worth QR5,000.
The first five winners will receive QR100,000, QR50,000, QR30,000, QR15,000 and QR10,000. Five will be chosen for consolation prizes of QR5,000. All 10 winners will also receive certificates of appreciation and shields.
On preparations, Al Shahwani said this edition is characterised by creativity and innovation as the festival will reflect local and Gulf architectural heritage.
There will also be competitions such as wool-shearing and the fastest milkman in addition to horse riding for children, camel ride and traditional games.
The Livestock Department at the Ministry of Environment will have a booth to provide education and veterinary services for animals’ safety.
Qatar Development Bank will also participate and give information on providing fund for animal husbandry projects.The Peninsula
