Handicrafts pavilions at Katara – the Cultural Village are witnessing a remarkable turnout – including both tourists and World Cup fans – keen to acquire souvenirs and heritage collectibles that reflect the beauty of Qatari heritage and Arab culture.
The Katara Handicrafts Exhibition, along Ibn Al-Reeb Street at Katara, is an open market presented by KatArt.
It displays products of craftsmen and artists, including souvenirs inspired by raw materials from the Qatari, Gulf and Arab environment.
The souvenir shops at the exhibition offer varied options that include products and handicrafts embodying different aspects, whether through the expression of the richness of the popular heritage or the exceptional global sporting event represented by the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Salem al-Harassi, supervisor at Treasures of Oman, said: "I am very happy with my participation in the activities of Katara accompanying the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
“The public turnout it is witnessing is great,” he said. “Our place displays Omani products that reflect the Omani heritage and history, most of which are rare perfumes made from Omani frankincense.”
“Amber, oud, musk and natural oils can be found, in addition to other exhibits such as types of sticks, which are considered a complement to the Omani and Gulf men’s clothing and are made of local Omani wood, as well as the Omani veil (*lisu) made of silk and decorated with Arabic inscriptions and letters on the occasion of the Omani Women's Day,” al-Harassi added.
Malak from Millionaire Store noted that headscarves of various colours that reflect the participating teams are highly popular among World Cup fans, who are keen to wear them and encourage the teams of their countries.
Meanwhile, the pavilions of countries participating in the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival are also witnessing an "unparalleled turnout" of heritage lovers to see "marine heritage holdings and artefacts, such as models of sailing ships and traditional dhows that were used for fishing, diving and trade trips in the past", a press statement notes.
Other heritage items, such as handicraft made of palm fronds, in addition to tools such as wicker baskets, built-in boxes woven with beads and decorated with inscriptions, and the *barwa (a tin container in which important papers, documents and geographical maps are kept) are popular purchases by tourists and visitors, for use to decorate their homes or as gifts for friends and relatives.
Another attraction, the Al Thuraya Planetarium, situated in Building 41, continues with its various shows and activities.
In addition to a series of scientific films for different age groups, it offers modern digital projections that generate panoramic scenes of space, stars and galaxies as well as comets and elements of the solar system.
The planetarium sports modern digital technologies and can accommodate about 200 visitors.
The dome screen extends over the visitors with a width of 22m.
The planetarium features two- and three-dimensional displays, all of which are supported by a high-quality sound system that provides visitors with an exciting and unique experience of the wonders of the vast universe.
Maldives president visits Katara
Prof Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation, received Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the latter's visit to Katara.
A store with various items
An artisan at work
At the planetarium
At the planetarium
At the planetarium
Inside Al Thuraya Planetarium
Malak from Millionaire Store
Salem al-Harassi, supervisor at Treasures of Oman
