Minister of Environment visits 15th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie, accompanied by the General Manager of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, visited the 15th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, held along the southern waterfront of Katara Beach.

They toured the festival’s pavilions and reviewed its diverse activities and heritage programmes, which highlight Qatar’s maritime legacy and strengthen national identity.

The festival continues in a vibrant atmosphere reflecting the spirit of the sea and the depth of Qatar’s authentic maritime heritage. It brings together maritime competitions, folk art performances, and heritage activities, alongside cultural events held in conjunction with the 2025 Arab Cup. Running until December 18, the festival offers a rich cultural and tourism experience combining maritime heritage, sport, and folk arts, attracting families and visitors from Qatar and abroad. The Qatar Traditional Rowing Championship 2025 Season Two witnessed strong competition, with the Al Khor team winning the youth category and the Sur team claiming first place in the traditional rowing category.

These competitions reflect Katara’s commitment to reviving traditional maritime sports and strengthening the connection of younger generations to their seafaring heritage.The festival grounds are enlivened by daily performances from folk groups from Qatar and the Gulf region, presenting maritime songs, dances, and music that have accompanied seafaring communities for centuries. Among the most notable performances were those of the Omani Al Masar Ensemble, which drew strong audience engagement.

Vice President of the Al Masar Ensemble Khamis Rajab expressed his pride in participating, noting that this marks the ensemble’s eighth participation in the festival.