Hanane Djoua
Doha
There was a palpable air of excitement as Qatar Foundation (QF) inaugurated the Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts on Thursday evening at Education City.
The opening ceremony, attended by Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, marked the beginning of a five-day celebration of artistic and cultural expression rooted in Arab and Islamic heritage.
The centerpiece of the evening was the staging of Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, a seminal work by the late Syrian playwright Saadallah Wannous. Directed by Maher Salibi and featuring a performance by the acclaimed actor Jamal Sulieman, the play captivated audiences with its powerful themes and stellar production.
The night also included a symphonic performance of 1001 Nights: A Journey Through the Storm by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and a poetic musical journey presented by Mustafa Said and the Asil Ensemble, seamlessly blending Arabic poetry with evocative melodies.
In her opening remarks, Sheikha Hind underscored the importance of cultural preservation and innovation.
“Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts casts light upon the rich tapestry of Arab-Islamic culture, spanning the ages from the dawn of Islam. From this enduring beacon, we take a spark, one that restores our civilization’s rightful standing among the nations, and ushers in a radiant future for generations yet to come,” Sheikha Hind said.
The festival, which runs through December 2 at Education City’s Oxygen Park, is a vivid tapestry of performances, workshops, and interactive exhibits.
Highlights include the Yemeni orchestra Sada Alebda, a Qatari-Moroccan medley led by Asmaa Mnor, and a closing performance by renowned singer Hamza Namira.
Beyond music and theater, Al Ghorrah offers family-friendly workshops on traditional crafts such as calligraphy, puppet making, and leatherworking. A daily parade, educational school plays, and poetry recitals further enrich the program, designed to appeal to diverse audiences.
Adding a culinary dimension, food kiosks from across the Arab world—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Morocco, and more—combine storytelling with traditional flavors, immersing visitors in a sensory exploration of regional heritage.
Sponsored by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), Al Ghorrah aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural exchange and community engagement. Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al-Mannai, DAAM’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the festival’s dual role in celebrating heritage and fostering contemporary creativity.
“The significance of Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts lies in its celebration of the fusion of the past with the modernity of the present, creating a platform for cultural exchange. It enhances community participation by providing opportunities for talented individuals to present their work and interact with the audience.”
The event’s collaborators include the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Calendar, and Qatar Television, all of which play a vital role in making this festival a landmark occasion.
Tickets for the event are priced at QR50 for adults and QR35 for children aged 4 to 14. Specialized workshops are available for QR200, and access to the adventure room costs QR10. Tickets and a complete schedule are accessible at educationcity.qa/al-ghorrah.
As Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts continues, it promises to shine as a beacon of cultural richness and artistic innovation, showcasing the enduring legacy of Arab-Islamic heritage while embracing a future of creative possibilities.
