Senyar competition starts tomorrow at Katara

Katara, the Cultural Village (pictured) announces the start of the Senyar Festival, a four day traditional fishing and diving competition that will kick start tomorrow May 2^nd till May 5^th. The competition is envisioned to establish a platform to revive one of the key elements of the Gulf’s traditions. 

Participants will start the competition from three ports: Doha, Wakra and Umseid heading to “fasht lhdeid al bahri” which is opposite Khor Odeid. The competition will last until Saturday morning 5^th of May, which is when the teams will start moving towards Al Safliyyah Island east of Doha to start their “Gaffal” trip going back to Katara’s beach.

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Qatari heritage, handed down from generation to generation, has always been an integral part of the Arab Islamic heritage of the Arabian Peninsula and since ancient times the sea has played a vital role in the daily life of the citizens of the peninsula of Qatar. And this festival was put together to celebrate the Qatari heritage.

Senyar organizing committee has previously developed the rules and regulations of the competition, and identified awards according to the size and weight of the fish and oysters caught. Awards for the first five winners are (QR 100,000), (QR 90,000), (QR 80,000), (QR 70,000) and (QR 60,000) respectively. In addition, participants who get the biggest fish and the biggest oyster get a (QR 80,000) award each.

Katara also has plans to hold “Al Gaffal” festival at Katara beach, which is expected to attract a large number of spectators. Al Gaffal festival will include performances of traditional music and dances and will wrap up with an awards ceremony to honor all participants and winners.

“Senyar” kicks off with 20 teams, each composed of 10 members, adding up to a total of 200 participants.