A view from the Naham Al Khaleej 2025 at Katara Beach.
Doha, Qatar: General Manager of Cultural Village Foundation - Katara, Prof Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti yesterday inaugurated the Katara Al Nahma Festival and Award - Naham Al Khaleej 2025 at Katara Beach.
The ceremony was attended by those interested in maritime heritage and folk arts, amidst a distinctive festive atmosphere that reflects the deep connection of the people of the Gulf to their authentic maritime heritage.
Addressing the event, Al Sulaiti said the Katara Al Nahma Festival and Award – Gulf Nahma 2025 is a unique cultural event that embodies the Katara Cultural Village Foundation’s commitment to preserving authentic artistic heritage and reviving it in a manner befitting its place in the hearts of Gulf peoples.
He added: “Al Nahma is not just a song associated with the sea and the voyages of our ancestors. Rather, it is the voice of the people of Qatar and the Gulf, who sing about life, work, patience, and longing. It reflects the feelings of a society that lived by the sea and relied on it for its survival, transforming its suffering into immortal melodies that express pain and hope.”
Al Sulaiti said: “We at Katara are pleased to celebrate this ancient art today, and to host an elite group of Naham masters from Qatar and the Gulf states, in a sophisticated artistic competition that honors our heritage and expresses our collective spirit.”
He pointed out that the festival represents a platform for documentation, interaction, and renewal, and reflects Katara’s constant commitment to keeping heritage alive, renewed in all its forms, and vibrant as it has always been.
The opening ceremony included a distinguished artistic performance by the Bahrain Children’s Band, followed by an introduction to the jury and participating countries, and the launch of the first round of the award’s competitions.
The festival continues from April 13 to 15, from 6 pm to 10 pm. It features the participation of 17 Nahamas from various Gulf countries, as follows: 4 Nahamas from Qatar, 1 Nahama from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 3 Nahamas from Kuwait, 3 Nahamas from the United Arab Emirates, 3 Nahamas from the Sultanate of Oman, and 3 Nahamas from Bahrain.
The three-day festival will feature a series of cultural seminars and heritage performances. On the second day, a seminar titled “Rhythmic Arts among the Gulf States - Haddadi Arts” will be presented by Kuwaiti researcher Abdul Hamid Al-Saqr, and another titled “Working Arts between the Sea and the Night” will be presented by Bahraini artist Youssef Adam. The second round of the award will follow.
On the third day, a meeting titled “The Function of the Nahham and His Role on the Mahmal” will be presented by Qatari researcher Abdul Hamid Al Yousef. The third and final round of competitions will then begin, followed by the closing performance by the Al Qalail Troupe. The event will conclude with the announcement and honoring of the winners.
The festival will be accompanied by a variety of heritage events at the festival site, including a live drawing competition, a fine arts exhibition, a photography competition, and a marine exhibition documenting the history of traditional diving and fishing.
