Doha, January 14 (QNA) - The Katara International Exhibition for KAHRAMAN is getting underway at Katara's Cultural Village in Hall 12 for the second day amid striking attendance of visitors and those interested in this event

The event draws broader participation from 13 countries from around the globe through 82 booths showcasing the rarest and most beautiful kinds of Kahraman in various colours and forms

The venue also stages a broad range of cultural events, demonstrating the civilizational and historic dimension of this timeless stone in a grand international festival that confirms Katara's standing as a global hub for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange

Participants have unanimously emphasized the precise organization of this exhibition, along with its capability to draw enthusiasts from all countries of the region They suggested that the exhibition has proved itself as the first global festival specializing in Kahraman and its circulation

Samir Ramoul, owner of Germany's Amber House, marked his sixth participation in this expo, which has positioned Qatar as one of the fastest-growing amber markets in the Gulf and helped boost emerging markets in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Dubai.

The exhibition attracts both traders and collectors, features international companies from Germany, Poland, and Gulf countries, and has become a key hub for major deals, with many enthusiasts turning into professional traders, Ramoul noted

Abdulrahman Al Sulaiti, owner of Amber Stone, said his company's exhibits stand out for their innovation and are inspired by Qatari culture, including handcrafted sculptures of falcons, peacocks, horses, camels, and the Arabian oryx, all made from pure amber and designed by artists from Poland and Ukraine

Saif Abdullah Suleiman Haidar, owner of Elite Amber, said his company's displays include large collections of vintage Polish amber misbaha stored for over 15 years, noting that the older the amber misbaha, the higher its market value, particularly as his exhibits are manufactured by German companies

Saif added that his company participated in the first and second editions of this event, paused for two years to collect high-value pieces worthy of the exhibition and its visitors, and then returned for the fifth and sixth editions, which he says have seen significant growth year after year

Haidar Ibrahim Al Dahnim, owner of Elite Misbaha from Saudi Arabia, participating for the third time since the fourth edition, noted that he represents the Saudi Amber Enthusiasts Council, established two years ago in the Al Ahsa region and composed of both traders and amber collectors.

He added that his exhibition booth features single-stone misbaha in heavy sizes and diverse designs, as well as rare and distinctive misbaha pieces, accessories, some collectibles, and raw amber, noting that he entered the amber trade through his hobby

Al Dahnim explained that amber misbaha are part of the Gulf's traditional heritage, historically owned by prominent families and elites, and following the Gulf oil boom became a wider part of popular culture

In addition, Mahmoud Ali of Kuwait Amber Village said his firm has participated in all six editions of this expo, as the event represents a valuable opportunity bringing together traders and collectors from the Gulf and Arab countries, along with producers from international firms, to converge and explore rare and valuable products He added that their booth features vintage Klengried misbaha in various shapes, circular, pinecone, and pigeon-egg forms

The Katara Publishing House pavilion at this exhibition attracts culture and heritage enthusiasts, showcasing publications that highlight the culture of amber and precious stones alongside Qatari cultural and heritage books Among the key titles are Amber the Flower of Precious Stones and a Window to Ancient Times by Hamad bin Saleh Al Sulaiti

This is alongside Amber Ashhab by Dr Mariam Al Nuaimi, Zardaqa in Knowing Horses, Encyclopedia of the Comprehensive Answer on Purebred Horses by Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, Famous Camel Breeds in the Gulf, Birds of Qatar, Falah's Birds in the Qatari Environment by Sheikh Hassan bin Abdulrahman Al Abdallah Al-Thani, The Popular Healer Ghanim bin Ali Al Suwaidi - A Documentary Study, In the Presence of Qatari Popular Heritage by Ali bin Abdullah Al Fayyad, Al Deira: The Traditional Compass by Khalid bin Ali Al Sha'er Al Sulaiti, and Masterpieces of Qatari Poets reflecting Qatar's rich cultural and environmental heritage and its global role in preserving traditional arts. (QNA)