The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, has launched the Naham Al Khaleej 2025 Art Award and Festival. It is a three-day event celebrating the rich maritime traditions of the Gulf region. Held on Katara’s southern beach, the festival is dedicated to reviving Al Nahma, the traditional chant of Gulf seafarers, and preserving it for future generations.
A key highlight of the festival is a multi-stage competition to crown the new “Naham Al Khaleej” — a title given to the leading performer of Al Nahma. This traditional art form, once an essential part of pearl diving and fishing voyages, includes two categories of songs. These categories are Work Arts (such as Duwari, Al Yamal, and Al Khatfa) and Lafjri Arts (like Adasani, Haddadi, and Al Bahri). These chants were historically led by the Naham, a sailor who boosted crew morale through rhythmic and spiritual melodies.
In addition to the competition, the event features heritage performances, expert-led seminars, and lectures. These are aimed at deepening public understanding of the Gulf’s seafaring culture. A photography contest and an art competition are also part of the program. This encourages creative engagement with maritime heritage through both visual and musical expression.
By celebrating Al Nahma, Katara aims to spotlight the emotional depth and cultural significance of this fading art form. It has profoundly influenced the musical identity of the Gulf. The festival serves as a platform to connect generations and reinforce cultural pride through the preservation of traditional arts.
