25 July 2004
KUWAIT : With five more vessels lowered to water yesterday, pearl-diving enthusiasts are a step closer to the 16th annual expedition. In an interview with Kuwait Times, the supervisor of the event Abdulla Rajab Ali said 11 skippers, 20 navigators and 180 sailors would be taking part in this year's pearl diving voyage. Skipper Yousuf Al-Najjar, 29, who works for the Foreign Ministry, is participating in the voyage for the tenth time.
He said it was a television ad on the expedition that led to his debut voyage. He was hooked to it due to the encouragement of the organisers, besides his passion for Kuwait's history. Al-Najjar said that he wanted to empathise with the sufferings of our forefathers and the struggle they faced to make a living.
The voyage offers him the unique opportunity to personally experience what he heard from others. His advice to Kuwaiti youth is to stay away from a life of luxury and taste the hardships through taking part in such events. Al-Najjar mentioned it was a matter of honour for every participant, as the voyage was held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir.
Navigator Nafil Bu Yabes, who is a fireman, said it was his sixth participation and his love for Kuwait's heritage had attracted him to it. Abdulaziz Al-Ustad, a seventh-grade student, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to his maiden voyage next month. He wanted to venture into the unknown and had the strong support and encouragement of his father.
KUWAIT : With five more vessels lowered to water yesterday, pearl-diving enthusiasts are a step closer to the 16th annual expedition. In an interview with Kuwait Times, the supervisor of the event Abdulla Rajab Ali said 11 skippers, 20 navigators and 180 sailors would be taking part in this year's pearl diving voyage. Skipper Yousuf Al-Najjar, 29, who works for the Foreign Ministry, is participating in the voyage for the tenth time.
He said it was a television ad on the expedition that led to his debut voyage. He was hooked to it due to the encouragement of the organisers, besides his passion for Kuwait's history. Al-Najjar said that he wanted to empathise with the sufferings of our forefathers and the struggle they faced to make a living.
The voyage offers him the unique opportunity to personally experience what he heard from others. His advice to Kuwaiti youth is to stay away from a life of luxury and taste the hardships through taking part in such events. Al-Najjar mentioned it was a matter of honour for every participant, as the voyage was held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir.
Navigator Nafil Bu Yabes, who is a fireman, said it was his sixth participation and his love for Kuwait's heritage had attracted him to it. Abdulaziz Al-Ustad, a seventh-grade student, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to his maiden voyage next month. He wanted to venture into the unknown and had the strong support and encouragement of his father.
By A Staff Reporter
© Kuwait Times 2004
