Doha: Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Traditional Dhow Festival began in the southern part of Katara on Thursday evening. The event saw the presence of various dignitaries, ambassadors, and diplomats. According to Qatar News Agency, the festival is sponsored by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam) and will run until December 18. It features participation from 12 countries, including Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, India, Iran, Tanzania, Iraq, and Sudan, the latter marking its first participation with a special pavilion showcasing photographs of a renowned nature reserve, traditional handicrafts, and a Sudanese cuisine corner. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Director General of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, highlighted that the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival has become a key cultural and heritage event, serving as a platform for celebrating maritime heritage and preserving traditional crafts. He emphasized Katara's commitment to safeguarding heritage and fostering a connection between past and present to uphold the Gulf and Arab identity. The festival's program includes folk performances, live workshops, and exhibits displaying traditional navigation tools and shipbuilding techniques. Various types of dhows, iconic symbols of Gulf heritage, are also on display. Activities comprise rowing and fishing competitions, heritage exhibitions, and maritime contests on Katara Beach, alongside traditional craft markets. The event offers educational and recreational activities for children and families, including a family fishing competition, drawing workshops, and boat races. These activities aim to instill maritime heritage values in younger generations and encourage family participation in cultural pursuits. Additionally, the main competitions, such as oar pulling, sailing, and traditional fishing, are hosted on the festival grounds. The Heritage Majlis organizes seminars and lectures featuring researchers and experts who discuss maritime heritage's history, craftsmanship, and significance in the Gulf region's collective memory.