By Ayman Adly
Staff Reporter
An artisan demonstrating the art of making a pearl necklace. Right: HE al-Kuwari visiting the pavilion hosted by Ali Alfardan and Aisha Alfardan on the pearling past of Qatar
The second annual Dhow Festival was launched yesterday afternoon at the Katara beach with participation of traditional boats from all GCC countries.
“This festival represents an essential part of our history that connects the whole Gulf region with the sea,” HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, said at the inaugural ceremony.
He stressed the need for such festivals to make aware to new generations the past ways of life and to make them deeply acquainted with their heritage, as the past is a springboard for a good present and a better future.
“This year’s event is completely different from the previous year’s. The number of participating dhows has almost doubled and all GCC countries are taking part. The festival and the accompanying fair also covers all aspects of marine activities that used to be the main source of income of the past generation, particularly through fishing and pearl hunting. Old people are also taking part with enthusiasm and nostalgia,” Dr al-Kuwari explained.
Dhow Festival Committee Manager Ahmed al-Hitmi described the opening of the event as a great success that further contributes to Katara’s vision in demonstrating traditional Arab culture.
Showcasing over 100 dhows from Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman, the only Dhow Festival in the region includes various traditional activities such as performances by regional bands, dhow cruises, fireworks, live dhow building, a light show, the pearl diving competition, children’s workshops and museum displays from galleries across the Gulf.

Illuminated dhows light up Katara Esplanade yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

“The idea of the festival is a pioneering concept in the Gulf region as it aims at reviving the common sea culture prevalent in these countries. We also have a complete miniature museum that displays the traditional ways of life in connection with the sea. At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by girls in colourful traditional dresses and perfumes. Then, visitors can see the tools used in building dhows, samples of fishing gear and we also have related documentaries on display,” said Nasser al-Ahmmadani, curator and heritage expert at the National Museum of Qatar. A library is to be open during the festival in the Traditional Village, where people can access information about activities over the years. Further, there will be a series of lectures accompanying the exhibition about dhows. Tariq al-Fliqawi, a heritage researcher from Kuwait, said  the event is the largest of its kind in the Gulf region and added that Qatar has exerted great efforts to ensure that it is conducted in a magnificent way.
The event gives young people “a real image of life during the pre-oil era in the region and about how people used to be hardworking and productive despite difficulties,” he explained.
 Abdullah al-Harithi, director of exhibition affairs at the Omani Ministry of Culture and Heritage, said the festival illustrates an integral part of the life of a man from the Gulf, whose life is linked with the sea
“This relationship with the sea helped connect Gulf countries and to strengthen relationships. It helped to revive trade and enhance language and religious ties,” he said.
Almost all representatives of GCC countries expressed their satisfaction and admiration for the event, while mentioning it as indispensable for keeping in touch with their common heritage.
Meanwhile, the elaborate festivities connected with the opening ceremony had a great turnout, with the participation of expatriates, nationals and GCC citizens.
A majority of them expressed their happiness while terming the event as unique. “The festival aims to revive the true Qatari heritage and culture, reinforcing and exchanging our values with the rest of the world,” said Dr Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manger of Katara.
The pearl diving competition will begin tomorrow at 4.00pm, where 12 teams will embark on a three-day journey to collect as many pearls as possible using traditional methods and tools of diving. The festival concludes on Saturday.