(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera / The Peninsula
Fath Al Kheir, one of the biggest traditional dhows in Qatar, is set to embark on yet another historic journey next month, aimed at reviving the country's centuries-old maritime heritage.
In its third voyage, Fath Al Kheir will sail towards Kuwait and Oman. It will sail from Katara Beach on November 14 during the seventh Katara Traditional Dhow Festival and will be back on December 18 in time for the Qatar National Day celebrations, Mohammed Youssef Al Sada, Head of Katara Beach Department, told The Peninsula.
'In the past, our ancestors were actively engaged in maritime trade, reaching distant shores to make a living. The purpose of this voyage is to revive and sustain this vital element of our tradition to pass on to the new generation, Al Sada explained.
It is a major part of Katara's commitment to come up with initiatives in order to preserve every possible aspect of Qatari tradition for the future and Fath Al Kheir is one of these, he said.
Registration for those aspiring to join the dhow's crew for this historic voyage is open and runs until October 26, he added. 'So far, 34 aspirants have already registered. Those selected will go through a series of medical and physical tests and those who pass will have the chance to join the voyage. We will choose between 15 to 20 participants to comprise the crew, he explained.
Al Sada was speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of a press conference held yesterday at Katara to announce the third edition of Fath Al Kheir voyage.
'We believe in the essential role of such voyage, as it connects the present generations with their deep-rooted history and traditions, as well as it aims to strengthen the cultural and brotherly ties that connect societies, Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed during the press briefing.
Fath Al Kheir is a 45-metre dhow built for the then Emir in 1983 by Amireya workshop to promote tourism trips of the Ministry of Information and Tourism. It is now part of the collection of Qatar Museums Authority.
Fath Al Kheir first sailed in 2013 under the initiative by Katara and as a highlight of its annual Traditional Dhow Festival. With 40 crew on board, it embarked on a 27-day journey around GCC. Two years ago, it made its historic 48-day journey to Oman and India with 26 crew members, gaining international media attention. The all-Qatari crew for the upcoming journey will be led by Captain Mohammed Youssef Al Sada.
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