Katara Cultural Village, also called Katara, is a cultural and commercial complex in Doha, Qatar, located on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl.
It was soft-opened in October 2010 during the Doha Tribeca Film Festival.[1]
Katara Cultural Village, also called Katara, is a cultural and commercial complex in Doha, Qatar, located on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl.
It was soft-opened in October 2010 during the Doha Tribeca Film Festival.[1]
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For the etymology of the name, see Qatar § Etymology. |
The complex comprises an open amphitheater, an opera house, a multi-purpose cinema, a multi-purpose conference hall, a beach (named Katara Beach),[2] and a souq.[1] A museum showcasing the country's maritime heritage was opened in November 2015.[3] It is also site of AlBahie Auction House.[4] It includes a 38,000 m2 (3.8 ha) open-air shopping mall equipped with outdoor air conditioning, named 21 High st ("Katara Plaza" during development).[5][6] The complex is also host to a variety of different exhibitions, festivals, workshops, lectures, concerts and religious activities.[7]
The buildings and facilities at Katara were deliberately arranged in order to reflect the country's cultural and architectural heritage.[8]
Katara hosts the following cultural organizations:[9]
Fath Al Kheir journey is a voyage organized by Katara management to promote Qatar's maritime heritage. The first voyage took place in the Persian Gulf from 22 November to 18 December, 2013. A second voyage was launched on 6 October, 2015. The ship was crewed by 40 Qataris in traditional attire and sailed around the Arabian Sea, with the key destinations being Oman and India. The Indian ambassador to Qatar hailed it as a milestone in the countries' bilateral relations[10]
A two-day discussion forum for the arts was inaugurated in Katara in 2014. An annual event, the forum features international and local researchers who deliver speeches on topics such as the history of Arab art and Arab art groups.[11]
In October 2012, an event featuring Giuseppe Verdi's classic opera Aida was hosted in Katara's amphitheatre. It was the first opera to be held in Qatar. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra were featured in the opera, alongside at least 80 singers and 35 actors.[12]
The group stage draw for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup took place on 27 April 2021 at the Katara's opera house.[13]
The UK Festival was held in parts at the Katara Cultural Village since their 5th edition in 2020.[14] In 2022 the Village also signed an agreement with the organiser British Council Qatar to cooperate on future events.[15][16]
The S'hail falcon exhibition is one of largest exhibitions for falconry and hunting and has been held at the Katara Cultural Village since 2017. The festivals featured falcons from local and international breeders, as well as veterinary clinics, booths for falcon-related goods and events like the simulated air gun event.[17][18]
Katara can be reached on the Red Line of the Doha Metro as well as taxis. There is ample parking.
Doha Bay crossing (also known as Sharq Crossing) is a causeway between 600 m and 1,300 m which will link Hamad International Airport with Katara. It is set for completion by 2021.[19]
Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti is the General Manager of Katara Cultural village.[20]
