Katara, the Cultural Village Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Doha Office, inaugurated yesterday the cultural diversity festival at Katara Drama theatre.
The festival features participation of over 20 countries with their artistes showcasing their traditions and heritage. The opening ceremony featured a folklore performance by a Qatari band. A band from Philippines will perform today at Katara esplanade, in front of the amphitheatre.
The event kicked off in the presence of Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Ministry of Education and Higher Education undersecretary Rabia Mohamed al-Kaabi, Unesco Doha Office director Anna Paolini and International Organisation of Folk Art vice president Ali Abdullah Khalifa.  Representatives of diplomatic missions in Doha were also present during the opening ceremony of the diversity festival.
In his opening speech, Dr al-Sulaiti expressed pride in the fact that Katara is a prominent cultural edifice in the Middle East, by establishing an international cultural vision vividly displayed through hosting grand cultural events and festivals from all over the world.
“Katara has always been distinguished for organising local traditional events that sought to revive the original Qatari heritage. We are looking forward to implement more international cultural partnerships and mainly with Unesco.” Al-Kaabi said the festival that will continue for six months, will definitely contribute to fostering cultural, human interaction and dialogue. Paolini described the festival as a great opportunity to promote cultural diversity. “I am really delighted to see this edition of the festival here in Qatar. On behalf of Unesco, I would like to extend gratitude to Katara for their contribution to the organisation and preparations for the festival.”
She noted that Unesco is committed to protect tangible cultural heritage, which is a treasure inherited from the ancestors. The festival will have the participation of countries such as Argentina, Kenya, Turkey, Spain, Jordan, India, Bahrain, Serbia, Singapore, and Jordan.