Doha, Qatar: The highly anticipated 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival will begin on Wednesday at the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara. The event will continue until December 7, 2024. This annual event, held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is a significant cultural celebration that honours the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf nations and beyond.

Salem Mabkhout al-Marri, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Katara, said while speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the festival will feature participation from ten friendly and sisterly nations, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Palestine, Iraq, India, Tanzania, and Iran, in addition to Qatar. 

This diverse participation adds an international flair to the event, showcasing the cultural and maritime richness of the region.

The festival promises a vibrant program filled with engaging activities, particularly maritime art performances scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays. A highlight will be a maritime opera that celebrates traditional maritime arts, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the festival.