Halal Qatar Festival attracts diplomats, students alike

The sixth edition of Halal Qatar Festival has received diplomats from different embassies in Doha as well as a large number of students representing a diverse selection of schools.

The festival is being held in the southern area of Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation.The ambassadors of India, Romania, Oman and Portugal attended Halal Qatar Festival on its third and fourth days in the presence of Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti. The envoys were given an informative tour of the festival. After the tour, the Cultural Village Foundation was lauded for hosting the festival, which conveyed a “vibrant image of the authentic traditions drawn from deep within the deserts of Qatar”, according to a press statement from Katara. Further, the annually held festival reflects the importance the Cultural Village attaches to preserving Qatari traditions, especially ones associated with local livestock products, sheep-breeding, shepherds and farming, the statement adds.The ambassadors were also impressed by the wide range of activities organised on the sidelines of the festival. These include traditional performances and tents, workshops and entertainment shows for children. Besides, the festival features stalls displaying heritage-related handicrafts. In addition, Halal Qatar Festival includes a medical section where veterinary units have been set up through the participation of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. These are offering veterinary extension services while spreading animal awareness in the presence of a specialist. Meanwhile, the festival has received a large number of students from national and international schools in Qatar. Their visits have been both educational and entertaining in nature, marked by informative sessions, workshops and performances. In addition, the students have had the opportunity to ride camels and enjoy some takeaway meals distributed by Katara. The morning session of the festival runs from 9am until 12noon and is dedicated to school trips, while the afternoon session is open to the general public, running from 4pm until 10pm.