DOHA: Katara yesterday launched the book, Traditional Dhow (Great Meaning: Fath Al-Khair Voyage to the Gulf Ports).
The book release coincides with the fourth edition of Senyar Championship for traditional fishing and pearl diving, which began on Wednesday.
The launch was held during a press conference attended by Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Qatar Photographic Society Chairman Ahmed Yousef Al Khulaifi and Katara’s Director of Research and Studies, Dr Nadia Al Mudahka.
Launched under the auspices of the Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the book documents the journey of Fath Al Khair to five ports in the Gulf states of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Fath Al Khair is a 45-metre-plus traditional dhow built in 1983 by Amireya workshop for the Ministry of Information and Tourism to promote tourist trips. The dhow is now part of the cultural and heritage initiatives of Qatar Museums.
The dhow’s journey in 2013, which lasted 27 days, was documented by Qatari photographer and Qatar Photographic Society Chairman Al Khulaifi, and featured in the “Great Meanings” exhibition.
“This important documentary book sought to depict and revive the historical voyage of Fath Al Khair dhow through words and photographs,” said Dr Al
Sulaiti.
Al Khulaifi shed light on the difficulties they endured during the voyage. He thanked Katara for its efforts to promote heritage and publish the book.
The 388-page book details the dhow’s journey from the preparations to the voyage to the Gulf ports and its return to Katara Beach coinciding with Qatar National Day celebrations.
THE PENINSULA
