DOHA: Kuwait will soon host a maritime festival to highlight its special connection to the sea, an official said Wednesday. President of Kuwait Heritage Society Fahad Al-Abduljalil said the event, which will take place alongside Kuwait’s National Days celebrations, has received significant support from Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

The festival will be managed by a team from various organizations, including the Kuwait Heritage Society and the information ministry.

The society is currently representing Kuwait in Qatar’s fourth Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, which runs from November 27 until December 7 and showcases the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf region. Head of the Kuwaiti delegation and researcher Nawaf Al-Asfour explained that Kuwait’s participation is part of the Kuwait Heritage Society’s efforts to highlight the country’s rich maritime traditions at this prominent international event.

Members of the Kuwaiti delegation arrange pearl jewelry at the Kuwaiti pavilion.

The Kuwaiti pavilion displayed traditional maritime artifacts such as ship models, diving tools, and items related to pearl diving and other maritime trades.

Members of the Kuwaiti delegation pose for a group photo.

Al-Asfour noted that Kuwait has been a regular participant in the Katara Festival for several years, presenting traditional maritime artifacts such as ship models, diving tools, and displays related to pearl diving and other maritime trades. He also praised the exceptional skill and creativity of the Kuwaiti craftsmen involved in the event, whose work showcases the artistry of Kuwait’s maritime heritage. Kuwait’s participation not only aims to preserve this heritage but also offers an opportunity for tourists and visitors to gain insight into the maritime traditions of Kuwait and the Gulf region, illustrating the way of life of past generations.

Thamer Al-Haifi, Director of Public Services at the Ministry of Information, stressed the importance of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, particularly its role in preserving ancestral heritage and educating visitors about the shared maritime traditions of the Gulf.

Al-Haifi also recalled that Kuwait had previously hosted a maritime festival in 1986 and emphasized the significance of such cultural events in fostering exchange among Gulf countries, which share a common cultural and maritime heritage.

The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is one of the most significant annual cultural events in the region, celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf countries and beyond. This year, the festival sees participation from 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Palestine, Iraq, India, Tanzania, Iran, and Qatar, the host country. — KUNA