The 14th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival continues to welcome more visitors with a diverse cultural and heritage experience.Among the standout activities are traditional maritime competitions, which attract significant attention from enthusiasts.Friday afternoon witnessed intense competition during the rowing race at Katara Beach.As one of the festival’s main heritage and sports events, this competition aims to revive maritime traditions, celebrate ancestral sports, and educate younger generations about the significance of rowing – a vital part of the lives of sailors and captains of the past.The race featured 14 teams, each comprising 12 participants, competing along a designated course tailored to traditional rowing practices.Visitors expressed their excitement, noting that the festival has become an annual family event where they relive memories of the past and introduce their children to the rich maritime heritage that shaped the lives of their ancestors.Attendees appreciated the new venue, praising its spaciousness and well-organised layout, allowing families to navigate the festival easily and explore its various sections.They commended the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival for preserving historical dhows as symbols of local culture and maritime heritage.A notable feature of the festival is the heritage pavilions of participating countries, each showcasing unique aspects of their maritime traditions.Katara Publishing House has a pavilion featuring a collection of publications highlighting cultural dimensions related to traditional dhows and the maritime history of Qatar and the Gulf region.These works, including literary pieces inspired by this legacy, aim to raise awareness of the importance of preserving maritime heritage and passing it on to future generations.The festival, which runs until December 7, features the participation of 11 countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, India, Tanzania, Iran, and Palestine.
November 29, 2024 | 11:38 PM