For Qatari national Saud al-Dosrie, the Traditional Dhow Festival is not just an ordinary cultural event in the country.

“It is a good opportunity for young people to know how our forefathers worked hard to make a living and how they raised their kids,” he told Gulf Times .
Al-Dosrie believes the annual festival serves as an effective platform to take children back in time “in a very interesting way,” which is beyond the four corners of the classroom.
The event, he said, also gives Qataris a chance to showcase their talents and skills in photography, arts, music, and sports, among others, and inspire others to enhance and develop their own.
According to Katara – the Cultural Village, organiser of the festival, this edition features contests in fine arts and photography that offer awards to the ‘best paintings’ and ‘best pictures.’
Another Qatari national, Ahmed al-Sayed, who was touring the different exhibitions and live demonstrations with his family and children at the beach area, shares al-Dosrie’s view saying the festival showcases Qatar and region’s rich maritime heritage.
“Children will learn a lot about the past,” he pointed out, adding that the event also teaches a lot of young people who are very much hooked to social media and online games to appreciate what their ancestors’ had worked for to attain the country’s status today.
He said the festival is a must-see for all students, especially for young Qataris, who are studying in various public and private schools in Qatar.
Every year, Katara receives a large turnout of students who visit the event as part of their educational trip. This edition had seen more than 4,000 students so far getting a glimpse of Qatar’s history through cultural performances, art activities and competitions, workshops, and exhibitions, among others at the Katara beach.
The festival also spurs a lot of interest among young expatriate children like nine year-old Pedro from Portugal.
“I like it very much, my favourite was the making of weapons,” he told Gulf Times, referring to the blacksmith who conducts live demonstrations. The boy was also fascinated by the dhows.
Brazilian expatriate Ludmila Cruz found everything at the festival interesting: from the live net and boat-making demonstrations to the art activities and boat rides.