CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
The Qatari culture has left cruise visitors spellbound as they got a taste of rich Qatari tradition upon arrival at Doha Port.
A total of 3,350 visitors arrived aboard German luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 5 last Tuesday that marked the onset of the 2019-20 cruise season.
A slew of activities depicting the rich Qatari cultural heritage were held to welcome the visitors at the new passenger facility.
The visitors were ushered in by the folkloric group dance, arda, by Qatari performers who wore typical Qatari attires and used traditional instruments including the drums and swords to entertain the audience.
A typical al majlis was also displayed. Visitors also had a chance to see how traditional bread was made as well as tasting the traditional Qatari sweets.
Besides, there was a display of falcon that allowed visitors to have a feel of the bird.
Perhaps one of the most thrilling sections for the visitors was the area that showcased how the Qataris lived in the old days.
The section displayed people making items such as nets that were used for fishing in the old days; miniature dhows; people sewing clothes, among others. Other items that depicted the Qatari traditions included lanterns and woven accessories.
One of the visitors from Hungary said, "We have not been out of the terminal and we have learnt a lot about the Qatari culture. Through the items on display, we can tell more about Qatar’s traditions. We are happy to come to Qatar for the first time.”
Another visitor said, "We were welcomed by the Qatari coffee which is so authentic. We were also given a chance to taste the sweets, traditional bread and all the delicacies at the terminal for free. I can tell that the Qatari people are so generous.”
"We are excited to see how Qatar despite being a modern country has been able to preserve its rich culture and show it to the world,” another tourist said.
This new cruise season is set to be the biggest yet for Qatar, with a total of 248,123 persons expected to arrive.
DOHA
The Qatari culture has left cruise visitors spellbound as they got a taste of rich Qatari tradition upon arrival at Doha Port.
A total of 3,350 visitors arrived aboard German luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 5 last Tuesday that marked the onset of the 2019-20 cruise season.
A slew of activities depicting the rich Qatari cultural heritage were held to welcome the visitors at the new passenger facility.
The visitors were ushered in by the folkloric group dance, arda, by Qatari performers who wore typical Qatari attires and used traditional instruments including the drums and swords to entertain the audience.
A typical al majlis was also displayed. Visitors also had a chance to see how traditional bread was made as well as tasting the traditional Qatari sweets.
Besides, there was a display of falcon that allowed visitors to have a feel of the bird.
Perhaps one of the most thrilling sections for the visitors was the area that showcased how the Qataris lived in the old days.
The section displayed people making items such as nets that were used for fishing in the old days; miniature dhows; people sewing clothes, among others. Other items that depicted the Qatari traditions included lanterns and woven accessories.
One of the visitors from Hungary said, "We have not been out of the terminal and we have learnt a lot about the Qatari culture. Through the items on display, we can tell more about Qatar’s traditions. We are happy to come to Qatar for the first time.”
Another visitor said, "We were welcomed by the Qatari coffee which is so authentic. We were also given a chance to taste the sweets, traditional bread and all the delicacies at the terminal for free. I can tell that the Qatari people are so generous.”
"We are excited to see how Qatar despite being a modern country has been able to preserve its rich culture and show it to the world,” another tourist said.
This new cruise season is set to be the biggest yet for Qatar, with a total of 248,123 persons expected to arrive.