14th Dhow Festival kicks off Wednesday at Katara Culture Village

Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 14th Traditional Dhow Festival is set to kick off Wednesday at the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara, continuing until December 7, 2024.

The festival stands as one of the region’s most significant cultural events, celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf states and the wider world.

Katara’s Director of Public Relations and Communications Department, Salem Mabkhout Al Marri, highlighted the participation of 10 friendly and sisterly countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Palestine, Iraq, India, Tanzania, and Iran, alongside Qatar as the host nation. This international presence reflects the cultural and maritime diversity of the Gulf and beyond.

Al Marri added that the festival will offer an array of activities, including maritime art shows held on Thursdays and Fridays. A key highlight is a special opera marking the launch of the 6th Fath Al Khair cruise, which celebrates the maritime history of the region.

Visitors will also experience daily performances of Gulf music and traditional arts, including Omani marine art, offering insight into the maritime cultural richness of the region.

The event features unique attractions, such as the natural pearl show, where visitors can learn about crafting and selling pearls, as well as the techniques of opening oysters to extract pearls—an integral part of the region’s history.

In addition to the art shows, the festival will host daily cultural symposia from Saturdays to Wednesdays, focusing on maritime heritage, diving, marine navigation, and the Gulf’s historical ties to the sea. Professional workshops on shipbuilding, fishing equipment, and traditional handcrafts will also be part of the program.

As a platform for cultural exchange, the festival celebrates the Gulf’s marine legacy, fostering appreciation for its role in shaping the region’s identity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions, arts, and skills that define the Gulf’s maritime heritage.