Qatari culture comes alive at Sealine Camp

HE Dr al-Kuwari touring the camp

By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter The activities of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage (MCAH) Sealine Camp was launched yesterday afternoon in the presence of a large turnout of people, especially families and young people, and HE the Minister Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari.
“We share with people the joy of the camping season” he said pointing out that camping in the desert is a deep rooted Arab practice which involves the revival of the original traditions of the society.
He attributed the immense success of the camp to the good planning and the great efforts in its preparation as well as the fine weather.
In addition to Qataris and different expatriate residents in Qatar, a number of GCC countries were represented, including people from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE. 
Some Gulf and Arab countries also have active participation in the festivities through the scheduled shows for various theatrical troupes from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, and the Egyptian Circus.

Young men on horses. PICTURES: Nasar TK

The programmes include participation by the Egyptian, Sudanese and the Moroccan communities.
Dr al-Kuwari said that Qatar and the Gulf region have strong and common cultural relations and they are almost one family.
He expressed his happiness at the active participation of the young people indicating that the camp is closely connected to promoting tourism and culture in Qatar.
The camp would further enhance Qatar interactive communication with the other Arab countries.
Traditional and modern shows were interlaced together at the camp expressing deep rooted folk alongside modern innovations.
Four young Qatari men in traditional attire atop four dapple horses were trotting around the camp, while lovers of wireless remote control were getting ready with their mini cars to take part in the contest in another corner.
Actors in popular cartoon characters’ costumes were amusing children as young people in a nearby heritage folk café were having a taste of original Arabic coffee or just tea.
The Qatari Scientific Club is also participating. So is  the Qatar horse breeders and lovers association, where children could have a free short tour on the back of a pony and adults can enjoy horse riding.
Visitors also could enjoy the exquisite tastes of traditional Qatari cuisine as they watch traditional craftsmen making fishing and hunting gear.
In another corner, some young women preferred to have their hands painted with henna by skillful women.
As the dapple horses roamed the camp, a motorised glider was hovering above. In another corner, falcons and a Saluki dog could be seen, giving a hint of the traditions of hunting in a typical Arabian tent.
Those interested in painting as well as those interested in technology could find satisfaction for their interests at the camp.
Traditional sword dances with folk music could be seen alongside performances of modern shows.
The Sealine Camp festivities would go on till February 24, with special festivities and theatrical shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Dr al-Kuwari said that MCAH is planning to organise more festivities at different locations around the country.

Source From GulfTimes