Doha, November 27 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, the 15th Traditional Dhow Festival commenced Thursday evening in the southern part of Katara, in the presence of a number of dignitaries, ambassadors, and diplomats.

The festival, sponsored by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), will continue until December 18, with the participation of 12 countries: Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, India, Iran, Tanzania, Iraq, and Sudan, which is participating for the first time with a special pavilion featuring photographs of an internationally recognized nature reserve, traditional handicrafts, and a Sudanese cuisine corner, reflecting the diversity of cultures and the richness of maritime traditions.

On this occasion, Director General of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said that the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is a prominent cultural and heritage event that has established itself as a vital platform for celebrating maritime heritage and preserving the memory of peoples and their traditional crafts.

Organizing this edition reaffirms Katara’s leading role in safeguarding heritage and strengthening its presence in the hearts of generations, stemming from its cultural mission aimed at connecting the past with the present and preserving the Gulf and Arab identity in its most splendid form.

He said that the efforts exerted in organizing this event reflect Katara's firm belief in the importance of preserving maritime heritage, not only as a legacy from the past, but also as a living part of the cultural identity we cherish and strive to pass on from generation to generation.

He added that the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival continues to play its cultural and civilizational role, and to enhance Katara's position as a platform for culture and heritage in the region.

The festival offers a rich and diverse program of folk performances, live workshops, and specialized exhibits showcasing traditional navigation tools and shipbuilding techniques, in addition to displays of various types of dhows, which are timeless symbols of the Gulf's heritage.

A wide range of activities are also featured, including rowing and fishing competitions, specialized heritage exhibitions, and various maritime competitions held on Katara Beach, as well as traditional craft markets that highlight the skill of artisans and the authenticity of their crafts.

The festival also dedicates a significant space to children and families through educational and recreational activities, such as a family fishing competition, drawing and coloring workshops, and boat races for children, all aimed at instilling the values ​​of maritime heritage in the younger generations and promoting family participation in cultural activities.

Meanwhile, the festival grounds host its main competitions, such as oar pulling, sailing, and traditional fishing.

The Heritage Majlis also presents a series of specialized seminars and lectures that bring together researchers and experts to discuss the history of maritime heritage, its craftsmanship, and its place in the collective memory of the Gulf region. (QNA)