Ramadan highlights Qatar’s rich heritage

Saad Ismael Khalifa al-Jassim, a prominent figure in Qatar’s history, welcomes visitors to his pearl shop at Souq Waqif this Ramadan, providing a window into the nation’s remarkable heritage.

Drawing residents and visitors into a captivating journey through time, Saad’s shop serves as a treasure trove of history and tradition as he shares tales of the heydays and challenges of pearl diving before the era of LNG exploration transformed Qatar’s economy.

Featured at Visit Qatar’s social media pages, Saad, renowned not only as a former bodybuilder and wrestler but also as one of Qatar’s oldest pearl divers, passionately narrates the traditional techniques used by ancient pearl divers.

He cited the wooden dhows that ventured deep into the sea, as well as the Al Hajer stone weights, the Al Dayeen net baskets, and the Al Fitam nose clips that facilitated their dives.

According to Visit Qatar, shoppers at Saad’s shop are immersed in a journey spanning nearly 7,500 years of pearl trade traditions. It showcases several artefacts, including pearls of varying colours (white, pink and grey). Visitors also get insights into Qatar’s maritime legacy from a former pearl diver.

The exploration of Qatar’s heritage extends beyond pearl diving as Visit Qatar showcases an array of experiences for Ramadan revelers, from iftar gatherings on traditional dhow boats overlooking Doha’s skyline to strolls through the picturesque Old Doha Port adorned with street art.

For culinary enthusiasts, Doha offers numerous street foods and beverages, ranging from karak tea to falafel, luqaimat, kunafa, and shawarma. Meanwhile, health-conscious individuals can engage in physical activities at Lusail, Qatar’s newest district, featuring scenic public parks and nature spots, as well as cycling lanes.

It is learnt that several destinations have emerged as favourites this Ramadan such as the Mina District at Old Doha Port, offering a relaxing ambiance, while Msheireb Downtown Doha invites exploration of its historic heritage houses.

Visit Qatar said Katara – the Cultural Village, with its Al Thuraya Planetarium, offers celestial wonders, while the iconic Souq Waqif entices with its blend of culinary delights and artisanal crafts.

Transit passengers at Hamad International Airport also have the opportunity to explore Qatar’s popular tourism destinations, and take advantage of the stopover packages, Visit Qatar added.

From iconic museums and art galleries to numerous cultural locations, Visit Qatar noted that visitors can immerse themselves in a wide range of curated experiences and must-visit places throughout Ramadan.