The 10th edition of the Senyar Festival will take place from April 30 to May 3, with daily hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The word "Senyar" comes from the Gulf region and means "going together to the sea." Registration for participation is now open on the Katara website, katara.net.
The festival strives to revive the practices and traditions linked with Qatar's marine heritage while upholding its noble principles. Katara, which is organised by the Cultural Village Foundation, aims to instill a deep appreciation for the sea's heritage in the next generation through events such as the Senyar Festival.
This festival is one of many marine heritage events preserved by the foundation over the years, including the Al Nahma Musical, which will begin on April 26 and is in its fourth year, the Traditional Dhow Festival, and the El Meyna (Al Mina) Pearl Diving Competition for Children, among others.
Katara's heritage festivals seek to preserve true Qatari heritage. According to the foundation, the Senyar Festival has become a key event in Qatar's nautical legacy, offering a rich and unique experience that ties newer generations to their true past.
The four-day festival will feature two competitions: hand-line fishing, also known as "Haddaq," and pearl diving, or "Lifah." The top 15 winners received a total of QR 2.2 million in prize money. Participating teams are anticipated to convene at Katara Beach, where they will be outfitted and ready for the events.