For the second consecutive day, the 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, continues to immerse visitors in the festive spirit of Qatari and Gulf maritime heritage.
The festival features a range of activities and events running until 7 December at Katara’s southern beach, with the participation of 11 countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, India, Tanzania, Iran, and Palestine.
The festival showcases diverse cultural and heritage elements related to fishing and pearl diving through its various pavilions. Highlights include live demonstrations of traditional dhow craftsmanship, heritage crafts, and seafood dishes inspired by Qatari and Gulf cuisines, such as dried fish.
A maritime operetta recalling the past
The festival ensures that art in all its forms serves as a window to maritime heritage. This is evident through the participation of visual artists and theatrical performances, including the Al-Awaleen Operetta. Faisal Al-Tamimi, the operetta’s director, stated: ‘The operetta features around nine scenes narrated by a storyteller, who represents the media figure of that era. He shares tales with children about trade voyages, ships, and how children lived during that time, culminating in a final scene that highlights love for the homeland and societal unity.’
Interactive displays revive maritime traditions
Visitors to the festival engage with interactive displays that depict the preparations of captains and crew for voyages, such as equipping dhows, weaving nets, and organising supplies. The accompanying chants and songs create a symbolic recreation of ancestors’ lives, providing young people and the new generation with an opportunity to explore the richness of their deep-rooted heritage.
Traditional bands bring diving and fishing journeys to life
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by traditional bands performing captivating displays that transport visitors to the spirit of life in old neighbourhoods and their connection to the sea. These performances reflect the richness of Qatar and the region’s musical heritage, featuring live renditions of traditional maritime songs, such as Fajri and Nahma. These songs, once sung by sailors during pearl-diving and fishing trips, captivated attendees and revived memories of the beautiful past.
Festival organisers emphasised that the participation of traditional bands adds significant heritage value to the festival. These performances contribute to documenting traditional maritime arts and passing them on to future generations while highlighting their role in the daily life of the old maritime community. This participation is part of the festival’s broader efforts to preserve folk heritage and introduce local and international audiences to the rich facets of Qatari culture.
Culinary delights: A window into traditional cuisine with the flavours of the sea and heritage
The food section of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival attracted a large number of visitors, offering a unique experience that combines traditional seafood dishes with popular dishes reflecting Qatari heritage.
The food section, overlooking the picturesque beach, emulated traditional market food carts, presenting dishes inspired by the ancestors’ legacy. It also included displays of old culinary techniques, such as fish drying and making salted fish (malih), providing attendees with insights into the daily lives of seafarers in the past. Visitors praised the variety and authenticity of the flavours, noting that this corner has become a standout feature of the festival, evoking nostalgia and showcasing traditional tastes.
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