By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

A large number of Qataris and expatriates thronged the Katara beach and surroundings to make the opening of the 5th Traditional Dhow Festival a lively and remarkable experience.

HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani attended at the opening ceremony which also coincided with the arrival of the traditional Qatari dhow Fath Al Khair 2 after the completion of its 44-day voyage to India.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said the presence of HH the Father Emir reiterated the importance of the festival in reviving the maritime heritage, an integral part of the folklore of Qatar and other Gulf states.

“From this perception stems the interest of Katara in this authentic tradition and its support to the efforts of preserving what our forefathers had left behind,” he explained.

The latest edition of the five-day festival has many remarkable additions this year. “One of the major attractions is the gold and pearl market and also an auction of dhows. This is in addition to other cultural and artistic competitions,” Dr al-Sulaiti said.

At the venue, a `Traditional Village', showcasing historic cultural traditions of the region has been created. Trading in the ancient villages and a host of handicrafts bearing regional significance are on a display. Shops where traditional delicacies are made and sold are also among the attractions.

Singing by folklore teams from Qatar and Oman enlivened the opening day's proceedings. Approximately 110 traditional dhows are participating in the festival which has close to 300 participants and referees.

Such events as pearl diving and fishing will be held from today. Two dhows have been dedicated to take school children on 20 minutes cruises to introduce the Qatari maritime heritage to them. A workshop on diving by acclaimed diver Steve Martin is scheduled.

Dr al-Sulaiti thanked the festival's diamond sponsor Qatar Petroleum and golden sponsor Nakilat which supported the Fath Al Khair 2 voyage. He also thanked Qatar Museums.

Organising committee head and Katara’s beach manager, Ahmad Abdullah al-Hitmi said the presence of HH the Father Emir to welcome the sailors was a morale booster to everyone who has associated with the festival, which is aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the region's ancestors.

Al-Hitmi said the festival will be a great opportunity to the visitors and guests to learn more about the country's maritime heritage.

Being held under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the traditional dhow festival's activities will continue until Saturday under the theme “the time we made our living from seafaring”.

There will be competitions to select most beautiful dhow, rowing, diving and other cultural shows. The festival features a three-day pearl diving contest starting tomorrow.

Two teams from Saudi Arabia are expected. There are also teams from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.