Doha, Qatar: The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) has taken significant steps to promote Qatar's rich heritage and identity through community events and exhibits. Recently, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, the General Manager of Katara, inaugurated the Qatar History and Identity exhibition, which aims to highlight and celebrate the nation's cultural heritage.
This exhibition is organized by Katara alongside the Qatar Preparatory School for Girls and showcases 63 artworks from students across 30 schools, each piece reflecting different facets of Qatari customs and traditions. The exhibition opened to the public on Wednesday and will run until Thursday at the Creative Square, situated between buildings 15 and 16.
Dr. Al Sulaiti emphasized the importance of supporting school talents and providing young individuals the opportunity to express their national pride through art. He noted, 3This exhibition plays a significant role in enhancing awareness of Qatar's history and consolidates our national identity among younger generations.3 This initiative also marks the fruitful collaboration between Katara and educational institutions to enrich Qatar's cultural and educational activities.
Along with the history exhibition, Qatar's cultural scene is vibrant this month, featuring various events leading up to the holy month of Ramadan. The 10th edition of the Mahaseel Festival, which opens today at Katara, is one such event focused on local agriculture and food security. This year's festival is set to continue until four days after Eid Al Fitr and showcases participation from 33 local farms and three national companies, including those specializing in dairy and poultry products.
The festival aims to support domestic agricultural production and to educate the public on the importance of food security. Visitors can explore various pavilions showcasing locally grown produce, plants, and popular food offerings from participating families. This year's Mahaseel Festival serves as not only entertainment but also reinforces the connection between the community and its agricultural foundation.
Other engaging cultural activities and exhibitions are also part of the upcoming festive season. For example, the Asian Nuts & Dried Fruits Exhibition is set to take place from March 1 to 10 at Souq Waqif, showcasing exotic products from various Asian countries. Another key event, the Education Malaysia Fair, is gathering Malaysian universities and interested students from February 27 to March 1 at JW Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha, providing insights for students considering education options abroad.
Dirwazh Farm is preparing for its Ramadan bazaar, which promises to deliver family-friendly activities alongside opportunities to support local businesses. To encourage student entrepreneurship, the Qatar University Souq allows students to exhibit their products until February 27, promoting both community engagement and real-world commercial practices.
Art is also celebrated with the Surfed Here exhibition, occurring until February 28 at the Katara Cultural Village, highlighting the connection of El Salvador’s culture with surfing. This artistic endeavor invites attendees to appreciate the cultural significance of surfing beyond mere sport. The festival calendar culminates with sporting events, such as the FIA World Endurance Championship, taking place at the Lusail International Circuit, featuring internationally renowned racing personalities.
This diversified approach to cultural and business initiatives reflects Qatar's commitment to fostering community spirit and pride through both heritage and modern engagements. With this season's array of events, the country is not only preserving its rich history and identity but also paving the way for future generations to appreciate and engage with their culture.