Doha: The 15th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival continues in the southern part of the Katara Cultural Village until December 18, with the participation of 12 countries: Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Palestine, India, Iran, Tanzania, Iraq, and Sudan, which is participating for the first time in this prominent heritage event.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Sudanese participation this year is a valuable addition to the festival, as its pavilion offers a rich display combining images of an internationally recognized nature reserve with traditional handicrafts that reflect the skill of Sudanese artisans and the unique characteristics of the Sudanese maritime environment. There is also a section dedicated to Sudanese cuisine, creating a scene that embodies the diversity of cultures and the rich maritime traditions of different peoples.
On this occasion, HE Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the State of Qatar Badr Al Din Abdullah Mohammed Ahmed, said: "We are delighted to be participating in one of the most important heritage festivals in the region." He emphasized that Sudan's first-time participation in the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival represents a new bridge for cultural communication between the Qatari and Sudanese peoples, opening a window to enhance cultural cooperation and knowledge exchange with our brothers in Qatar. He explained that the Sudanese pavilion reflects the depth of our history and the diversity of our environments and cultures, highlighting an important part of our maritime heritage.
For her part, Ayat Yousef, one of the supervisors of the Sudanese pavilion, said: "Our participation embodies a message of love, heritage, and connection with our brothers in Qatar and all nationalities residing in this hospitable country." She noted that the pavilion team was keen to present a comprehensive picture of the Sudanese maritime environment and folk heritage. She added that the Sudanese pavilion reflects the Red Sea heritage of the Port Sudan region, through the display of seashells and maritime artifacts, alongside artisans who came specifically from Sudan to participate in the festival, particularly in the field of nautical accessories.
She pointed out that the people of Port Sudan are known for their deep connection to the sea, both in their daily lives and even in its therapeutic uses. She also said that among the participating artisans are those who work in the construction of traditional dhows.
The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is characterized by its diversity and richness, with the "Qatari Heritage Collections" pavilion attracting attention with its rare pieces that reflect the history of the seafaring people and the lives of their forefathers. This pavilion is a key attraction for visitors to discover diving and pearl-making tools that formed an integral part of Qatar's maritime heritage.
The festival offers a program brimming with folk performances and live workshops, alongside specialized exhibits of navigational tools and traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques. It also features displays of various types of dhows, which are deeply rooted symbols in the memory of the Gulf and its rich maritime heritage. Furthermore, the festival features a wide range of activities, such as rowing and fishing competitions, specialized heritage exhibitions, and maritime competitions held on Katara Beach. In addition, traditional markets celebrate authentic handicrafts and showcase the skills of artisans from various participating countries.