Tunisia, November 26 (QNA) - The Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced the designation of Katara Cultural Village Foundation as the Arab Opera City during a ceremony held on Wednesday in the presence of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tunisia Zayed bin Saeed Al Kumait Al Khayarin.

This designation is a recognition of Katara by the Arab and international communities for its pioneering role in supporting Arab opera and enhancing its presence on the regional and international stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said that the selection of Katara as the Arab Opera City is a tribute to the Foundation's efforts in supporting musical creativity and preserving Arab cultural identity.

This title, he added, represents a new responsibility that encourages continued work on presenting Arab operatic works that showcase the beauty of the Arabic language and culture, while contributing to the development of the Arab artistic scene on a global level.

Al Sulaiti noted that Katara will organize the first Arab Opera Festival from December 8th to 11th, in cooperation with the ALECSO, with the participation of 13 Arab opera houses, in addition to a selection of Arab artists and creators.

He pointed out that the Cairo Opera House was chosen as the guest of honor for the festival's inaugural edition, being the oldest Arab opera house.

He confirmed that the festival will include numerous events, including the opening ceremony and a tribute to the renowned Arab composer Omar Khairat, as well as musical and operatic performances featuring the Cairo Opera Orchestra and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Furthermore, an online platform for Arab opera houses will be launched, enabling those interested in operatic music to access it.

The festival will also feature information on the programs of each Arab opera house throughout the year, as well as workshops introducing the art of operatic singing and performance techniques. A model of Katara, the Arab Opera City, will also be unveiled.

Director-General of ALECSO Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar expressed pride in announcing the selection of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation as the Arab Opera City, highlighting its pioneering role in supporting musical arts and strengthening the presence of Arab opera on the regional and international cultural scene.

The Foundation has demonstrated an exceptional model in promoting the fine arts, particularly opera, through programs, initiatives, and festivals that cultivate artistic awareness and expand opportunities for Arab talent.

The Director-General of ALECSO added that Katara's selection is a culmination of its distinguished journey in fostering creativity and providing ample spaces for cultural diversity.

This well-deserved Arab recognition reflects its significant efforts to become a platform that brings together artists and creators from various Arab countries and contributes to highlighting Arab musical identity with a modern spirit that respects authenticity and embraces renewal.

Amar indicated that ALECSO highly values ​​Katara's qualitative initiatives that contribute to strengthening Arab culture, supporting authentic arts, and fostering intercultural dialogue, making it one of the most prominent and influential Arab cultural landmarks. He affirmed that its recognition as the City of Arab Opera opens a new chapter in the history of Arab cooperation in the fields of art and creativity.

He expressed ALECSO's aspiration to continue joint work with Katara to develop musical and cultural projects that contribute to consolidating the presence of Arab opera, developing its platforms, and building artistic bridges that reflect the image of Arab culture in its most splendid forms.

It is worth noting that Katara was previously honored by ALECSO by being designated the 'City of the Arabic Novel', in recognition of its support for the Arabic novel and the launch of the Katara Prize for Arabic Fiction.

It also received the designation of 'Cultural Heritage City of Arabian Horses', in recognition of its role in highlighting the heritage associated with Arabian horses and organizing accompanying festivals and events. Additionally, it was awarded the Babylon International Cultural Cities Award in Baghdad, in recognition of its cultural and creative leadership in the region. (QNA)