The pearl diving competition of Katara’s Fourth Traditional Dhow Festival kicked off yesterday with the Al Dashah operetta, a traditional celebration held in the old days when sailors entered the sea, heading to the diving vessels before launching them into the pearl banks (Al Hayrat). Ten participating teams sailed off Katara’s beach, including Qatar’s Al Ghariyah and Balhaneen, alongside two teams each from Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The contest will last for three days, with the teams returning to Katara’s seashore tomorrow. Upon arrival, the Al Qafal heritage festival, which embodies the return of divers to their homeland, will celebrate the return of the boats. PICTURE: Nasar T K
