DOHA: A bigger second annual Traditional Dhow Festival opened yesterday welcoming over 100 dhows from across the GCC at the Katara Beach, reaffirming its position as the only event in the region celebrating this vital heritage aspect all Gulf countries share.
“This is more than just a show. This is a festival covering our maritime culture which is a significant part of our past,” said H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, who opened the five-day event.
“There is more participation this year compared last year, covering all Gulf countries without exception. The number of dhows on show increased from nearly 70 last year to 105 this year,” he said.
Showcasing over 100 dhows, from Bahrain, Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman; the festival includes various traditional activities such as performances by renowned regional bands, dhow cruises, fireworks, live dhow building, light show, pearl diving competition, children’s workshops, and museum displays from galleries from across the Gulf.
Ahmed Al Hitmi, Dhow Festival Committee Manager, said: “The opening of the Second Annual Dhow Festival was a great success; we are honoured to have such courageous men in our presence that spent endless nights on these dhows to help build our trade.”
People can also access information about activities that have been happening over the years in a library at the venue.
There will also be a series of lectures which will go side by side with the exhibition to provide a deeper understanding about dhows.
“The Second Annual Dhow Festival exhibits our Qatari heritage, reinforcing the importance of the Seas to our community. The sea played a huge role in our history facilitating the exchange of cultures and civilizations between Qatar and the rest of the region and this festival brings all this back to life. The Second Annual Dhow Festival is an event that honours the pearl diving era through the various cultural events and performances,” said Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara.
For over 13 centuries, dhows were used as the main trading vessels sailing to India and East Africa and were commonly used by fishermen and pearl divers.
Abdulrahman Al Khulaifi, President of Katara commented, “The Opening Ceremony of the Second Annual Dhow Festival was a great success - we were honoured to have such distinguished guests and we are forever grateful for the endeavours of the men who sailed the seas in search of Pearls and Fish.
The pearl diving competition will begin tomorrow at 4pm where 12 teams will embark on a three-day journey to collect as many pearls as possible using traditional methods and tools of diving. The Peninsula
