Visit Qatar has announced the upcoming launch of a new activation, Al Ruwais- the Maritime Heritage Festival, taking place from March 18 to April 4, 2026. Part of Qatar’s northern tourism development strategy, the activation has been designed as a culturally authentic, community-driven and environmentally conscious experience celebrating the nation’s maritime heritage and coastal traditions.
Curated as a living village along the northern shoreline, the Al Ruwais activation will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to engage with local fishermen, artisans, storytellers and chefs through immersive experiences that blend heritage preservation and education.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ahmed Al-Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said: The Al Ruwais- Maritime Heritage Festival activation, reflects Visit Qatar’s commitment to showcasing Qatar’s cultural heritage through experiences that are authentic, accessible and rooted in community participation. By bringing maritime traditions, storytelling, craftsmanship and coastal cuisine together in Al Ruwais, this activation will offer residents a meaningful opportunity to engage with the cultural foundations of coastal life while supporting the long-term positioning of the north as a distinctive tourism destination.”
Al Ruwais will bring together multiple themed zones inspired by Qatar’s maritime, anchored by a central dhow installation and a traditional souq that will host artisan stalls and interactive games linked to fishing and harbour life.
Craftsmanship and Living Heritage
A dedicated craft zone will feature live demonstrations and workshops led by skilled artisans, showcasing practices such as dhow making, fishing net knitting, pottery, palm frond weaving, pearl mining demonstrations, Arabic calligraphy and henna art.
Marine Education and Sustainability
The marine education zone will offer interactive learning experiences including the Sea Symbols Quiz Station, Live marine shows and booths for participating entities. All aimed at raising awareness about marine protection, sustainable fishing and coastal conservation.
Family and Children’s Experiences
Family-friendly programming will include creative workshops, interactive learning and play-based activities, with highlights such as the Safi the Fish environmental installation, a net playground, storytelling sessions, puppet theatre performances and a virtual reality experience inspired by Qatar’s pearl diving heritage.
Cultural Programming and Live Performances
Cultural performances will animate the village throughout the day, with a main stage hosting Ardah processions, maritime chants, Fidjeri sea songs, poetry readings, storytelling sessions and live music, complemented by roaming performers across the site.
Coastal Cuisine and Evening Experiences
The culinary village will showcase Qatar’s coastal cuisine through seafood offerings, live cooking demonstrations and family-friendly workshops, while evening programming will include an open-air cinema by the waterfront and firepit areas.
Al Ruwais will be open daily, operating from 14:00 to 21:00 on weekdays, from 13:00 to 21:00 on Fridays, and from 10:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays. Tickets are available on Visit Qatar: https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar/al-ruwais
Through The Al Ruwais- Maritime Heritage Festival, Visit Qatar continues to advance its strategy of delivering experience-led cultural activations that support destination diversification, encourage domestic exploration and strengthen cultural and heritage tourism. By positioning Al Ruwais as a northern tourism anchor, the activation contributes to long-term destination development while inviting residents to discover Qatar’s northern coast during the spring season.