Discovering new depths of the local culture and history

Doha, March 20th, 2012

Katara, the Cultural Village, today announced the opening of the ten day 'Halal Qatar' Festival that will kick start on Thursday 22nd March ending on Saturday 31st March at the South Eastside of Katara.

The Festival will tell the story of Qatar's proud past, bringing to life a rare insight into the forgotten animal trade, allowing the public to interact with shepherds and take a deep dive in to an integral part of Qatar's culture and heritage.

Spread across 14,600 square meters, the festival will showcase various pens and stables related to sheep breeding, mainly goats and sheep, all of which reflects and sheds the light on the Qatari heritage that generations have carried and will pass on to the generations to come.

President of Katara, Abdulrahman Al-Khulaifi said: "This festival honours Qatari culture and traditions which we are truly proud of, allowing us to reflect on our past to ensure a stronger future. This event also gives us the opportunity to promote our cultural heritage whilst sharing our legacy with the younger Qatari generation, reminding them of the importance of history. This festival contributes to our long term vision to educate, entertain and demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange."

            The distinctive festival will include various activities and events, as well as a display of crafts, traditional foods, pictures, popular games and old songs. Shepherds will also participate in the festival to provide explanations on the sheep and goats and their types.

'Halal Qatar' will also provide a platform for buying and selling animals through the various auctions which will take place throughout the 10 days.  The event will also award significant prizes to those ranking amongst the top five 'Halal' showcased while guests will get the chance to visit the various stables and pens to experience the keeping of sheep up close.

Tailored to reflect the true essence of the Qatari heritage, the unique event will include the best of Qatari's arts and crafts in addition to various falconry shows, all of which will deliver an experience like nothing else. 

About Katara - The Cultural Village
Situated on the eastern coast of Doha, Katara - The Cultural Village is an integrated cultural landmark which possesses the character of a historic and inspirational breeding ground for arts and culture in Qatar.

The village is built on 1,000,000 square meters, its interconnecting pathways and creatively placed buildings constructed to resemble Al Fareej, an ancient Qatari alley.

Attractions offered by Katara - The Cultural Village include an open amphitheatre, an opera house, a cinema which can double as a drama theatre, a multi-purpose hall, handicrafts souq, book stall, and beach, in addition to a rich variety of international cuisine.

Several locally based NGOs, including Algannas Society, Childhood Cultural Center, Qatar Fine Arts Society, Qatar Photographic Society, Qatar Society for Engineers, and Visual Art Center, currently operate in Katara - The Cultural Village.

By hosting entertaining and informative festivals, exhibitions, forums, and other cultural events, Katara - The Cultural Village accentuates Doha's globally recognized position as the capital of Arab culture.

For media enquiries, please contact:
HanadiAlJasim
Katara
h.aljasim@katara.net
+974 55711449
Rabia Zaman
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
noura.zreik@hkstrategies.com
+974 4441 4781 

© Press Release 2012