Young pearl divers return after three days in sea

DOHA: The first El Meyna traditional pearl diving competition for children ends today with the traditional Al Qafal arrival ceremony for the young pearl divers.

Al Qafal (arrival of the divers with sea treasures) will be held at Katara beach at 5pm to welcome the children after three days in the sea.

All the five teams participating in the festival will be honoured during the ceremony while the top three will receive prizes.

Ahmad Al Hatmi, Chairman of organising committee, said the competition was the first of its kind in Qatar and the region for children and the name ‘El Meyna’ was derived from ‘collection of shells in shallow water.’

“It is an educational trip and festival for children to make them aware of their ancestors’ way of life. When these children pass the age of 18, they will take part in the Fath Al Kheir journey,” he said.

Read entire article here.