DOHA, Nov. 30: Kuwait is participating in the 15th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, which opened Thursday at the Katara Cultural Village Foundation in Doha, Qatar, and will run until December 18.

Nawaf Al-Asfour, head of the Kuwaiti delegation, said the country’s participation aims to highlight Kuwait’s rich maritime heritage. He noted that Kuwait has been a regular participant in the festival, showcasing maritime museums, including the Nawaf Al-Asfour and Hani Al-Asousi Museums, alongside artisans specializing in shipbuilding, sailors’ chests, pearl trading and crafting, pearl diving, palm frond products, and other traditional crafts.

Al-Asfour emphasized the festival’s role in educating the current generation about preserving and reviving Kuwait’s maritime traditions and providing visitors with insights into Gulf maritime heritage and the lives of their ancestors. He also expressed gratitude to Qatar for its efforts in hosting the festival and promoting Gulf maritime culture.

Fahad Al-Abduljalil, President of the Kuwaiti Heritage Society, described the festival as a hub for showcasing the cultures of participating countries, noting the importance of preserving shared Gulf maritime traditions such as sailing, pearl diving, and related crafts. He highlighted plans to organize a similar festival in Kuwait, in cooperation with the Ministry of Information and other institutions, to celebrate and promote Kuwaiti maritime identity.

The festival features participants from 12 countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Palestine, Iraq, India, Tanzania, Iran, Sudan, and the host country Qatar.

A view of the Kuwaiti pavilion at the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival

A display of traditional dhows at the Katara Festival in Doha, Qatar.