Some 100 vessels from across the Gulf dropped anchor on Tuesday at the opening of the third annual Traditional Dhow Festival at Katara Cultural Village.

Visitors are welcome to climb into and have a look-around many of the boats on display, which belonged to Arab sailors, traders, fisherman and pearl divers from Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The event, which is under the auspices of the Emir, will also include dhow cruises, boat-building demonstrations, a light and firework show, children’s activities and museum exhibitions.

The festival, which closed briefly as rain pounded Katara yesterday, will be open until 11pm tonight and Friday night. It concludes Saturday night at 10pm, weather-permitting.

Are you planning to check it out? Thoughts?

Note: This article has been corrected to reflect that the actual closing date of the festival is on Saturday, not Friday.