By Raynald C Rivera
Eighty-two young Qatari pearl divers collected a total of 18, 870 oysters after spending 48 hours in the sea at the second edition of El Meyna traditional pearl diving competition for children.
Wearing traditional costumes, the seven teams composed of aspiring pearl divers aged 10 to 16 were received by their families and the public at the Al Qafal (arrival of the divers with sea treasures) celebration on Saturday evening on Katara Beach. The ceremony which marked the successful conclusion of the competition honoured the participants for the efforts they have carried out.
It was a test of the participants’ physical abilities as and character as they ventured into the sea in the span of two days of the competition which was the first of its kind in the region organised by Katara.
The jury announced the Nomas team as first place winners after they managed to collect 4,750 oysters. They were followed by Wajbah team which collected 3, 645 oysters and Serdal team with 3,107 oysters. The total number of oysters collected by the seven teams reached 18, 870.
“We are happy to witness the excellent performance of the participants who reflected the heritage of their ancestors, commitment to Qatari identity and pride on their Islamic culture,” said Katara General Manager Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti as he addressed the attendees upon the arrival of the teams on Katara Beach.
The competition has realized educational and social aims as well as enhanced group work, cooperation and self reliance among the participants because the children prepared and organised themselves and met their needs aboard the dhows, noted Dr Al Sulaiti.
Ahmad Al Hatmi, chairman of organizing committee, said this year’s compatition varies from the inaugural edition in terms of the quantity of oysters collected by the participants.
“We encourage parents to have their children join in the coming competition in which ensures an important learning experience for all the participants,” said Al Hatmi.
He said the committee will evaluate the outcome of the competition and develop it in the coming edition. Part of the plans for the next edition, Al Hatmi said, is to change the venue of the contest, farther than this year’s venue which was Al Assiri also known as ‘Doha gate’.
Katara is also going to purchase new traditional dhows with sails and without engines to train the new generation on the art of using the sail during pearl diving. The dhows are expected to be used during Katara traditional dhow festival before year end, added Al Hatmi.
Inspired by the annual Senyar traditional pearl diving and fishing competition, El Meyna is aimed at instilling Qatar’s rich maritime heritage to the younger generation.The Peninsula
