Tribune News Network
DOHA
Qatar Museums (QM) has announced its participation in the Traditional Katara Dhow Festival for the fourth time. As part of its 14th edition, the General Collection Department is presenting ‘Echoes of the Ocean: The Dhow’s Enduring Legacy’, an engaging exhibition that explores the cultural and historical significance of dhows in Qatar’s pearl diving heritage.
The exhibition, which kicked off on November 27 and will continue until December 7, features a captivating on-water display of dhows from the General Collection Department, highlighting the craftsmanship and enduring legacy of these traditional vessels.
Before the oil boom, Qatar was primarily known for its pearl diving industry, a profession that shaped and influenced the nation’s cultural heritage. As such, the exhibition explores how dhows served not only as vital tools for pearl divers but also as symbols of resilience and community.
Visitors have been invited to immerse themselves in the history of pearl diving and the key role dhows played in preserving these cultural practices through generations.
"‘Echoes of the Ocean: The Dhow’s Enduring Legacy’ offers visitors an educational journey through time and connects them to Qatar’s rich maritime history,” says Dana Al-Ghafri, director of Qatar Museums’ General Collection. "The exhibition offers insight for all age groups by providing children with hands-on learning opportunities exploring the tools and techniques used for pearl diving. Both local and international audiences can benefit from this exhibition as it gives visitors a deeper understanding of Qatar’s past, appreciating the heritage of the country as it moves towards its future.”
Visitors can expect to see divers’ suits, pearl diving objects and tools, title walls, and different models of Dhow boats in the exhibition. For more information, visit https://qm.org.qa/en/