Doha, November 29 (QNA) - The 15th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is currently witnessing outstanding participation this year from 11 countries alongside host nation Qatar, with the Kingdom of Bahrain taking a prominent role, showcasing a rich and immersive traditional maritime craft that reflects the long-standing seafaring heritage of the Arabian Gulf.

Bahrain’s pavilion features an array of ancient craftsmanship, including the production of iron and palm-fiber “qaraqir,” pottery, fishing nets and traps, palm-leaf woven ropes and baskets, and traditional sail weaving.

The Bahraini showcase includes the Hadra section, dedicated to fishing tools, and the Seafarer’s Archi section, which gathers essential equipment used by sailors on fishing and diving expeditions.

Head of the Bahraini delegation, Salman Ajlan, said the festival has become a preeminent platform for maritime seafaring crafts that brings craftsmen from various nations together in one setting, providing visitors with the chance to behold the sea and its detailed history.

Bahrain's participation in this event holds a significant cultural dimension, as children are familiarized with diving gear and pearl diving, while observing the stages of traditional boat-making, Ajlan highlighted.

Bahraini artisan Abdullah Salman Dawood, who has been participating in this festival for 15 years, noted that his role today is to impart the forebears' expertise to new generations.

He added that his son is participating as well to gain a closer look at the skill of making metal boats, emphasizing that the event is an opportunity to revive the sea memory and ensure it remains ingrained in the minds of the younger generation.

In essence, the festival continues to undertake its role in safeguarding Gulf maritime heritage and promoting cultural identity, in addition to transferring conventional maritime expertise to new generations.

This fusion of enduring past and thriving present underscores Katara's standing as a global heritage hub for artisans from the Gulf and the Arab world alike. (QNA)