Doha: The 20th edition of the International Nomads Festival began on Friday in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, located in Morocco's Zagora Province. The opening ceremony was marked by a performance from the Malian group Imarhan Timbuktu, alongside traditional folkloric presentations from the oasis region. The group Les Pigeons du Sable also delivered a lively act using drums, gembri, and qraqeb.

According to Qatar News Agency, the festival goes beyond music to offer cultural and artistic exhibitions that emphasize traditional crafts, local cuisine, desert dances, and ancestral sports. Art installations throughout the venue display the creativity and skills of Sahara's artisans.

The event also includes panel discussions and workshops as part of the Nomad Forum, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development in desert areas, with additional sessions addressing digital safety. A notable feature of the festival is the sand-based hockey tournament and a traditional camel race.

This year's edition introduces a caravan organized by Moroccan Internet Society (MISOC), which aims to equip nomads and remote communities with digital tools. The caravan features workshops on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity, and entrepreneurship, illustrating the festival's role as a bridge between tradition and modernity.