Katara thronged by football, dhow festival fans

Visitors and football fans at Katara – the Cultural Village celebrated yesterday an exceptional evening of thrill and delight sparked by the historic victory of Saudi Arabia over Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

At another area of Katara, the Omani Folklore Troupe participating in the 12th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival entertained audiences through performances embodying the nobility and beauty of Omani folk arts and heritage.

The festival’s audience enjoyed the band’s performance, which was marked by a mix of singing and dancing intertwined with drums in a heritage atmosphere.

The performances reflected the richness of the Gulf and Omani maritime history and the lyrical heritage.

The Dhow Festival was also visited by a number of dignitaries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic.

The numerous Katara events and exhibitions, also celebrating the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, are witnessing a great turnout.

The calligraphers’ booths located behind Building 5 attract a large number of visitors of Arab and foreign nationalities.

Artists are drawing paintings with the names of visitors in various types of Arabic calligraphy in addition to sand paintings.

Calligrapher Mohamed Ibrahim said: “I present various paintings and different works according to people’s request, and focus on the use of black and white colours. We hope that our participation in these events will be an opportunity to know Arabic calligraphy, which is one of the most prominent characteristics Arab-Islamic culture and

Identity.”

The henna corner at the square opposite the Katara main fountain saw a great turnout as well, especially foreigners who expressed their interest in learning about the Arab culture and heritage in all its details.

The corridors of Katara also witnessed groups of football fans of different nationalities, each carrying the flag of their country, enthusiastically chanting slogans.

Children continued to enjoy the activities of the Katara Library for Arabic Novel (courtyard of Building No 47), where they indulge in drawing, colouring and handcraft activities supervised by specialists.

There were performances by a group of children on the waterfront, organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family.

As part of the street arts activities, the audience also interacted with music performed by one of the Arab bands.