Caitlin Dillon
Katara, The Cultural Village Foundation, has announced the launching of the fourth Fateh Al Khair voyage, set to begin on the 10th of July 10 2019, with the participation of 16 Qatari sailors.
The announcement was made by Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara during a press conference, who said the journey will begin in Istanbul, Turkey before the dhow sails from the Bosphorus to 11 other harbours in Europe and North Africa.
Sulaiti said that the aim of this cruise is to raise awareness of the Qatar heritage, especially the maritime culture, noting that it is a significant part of the Qatari identity. It also aims to promote Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The sailors will also distribute brochures and gifts, while explaining all about Qatar to the people of the countries the cruise will pass through.
On the other hand, Yousef Mohammed Al Sada, Fateh Al Khair's Captain, explained that the cruise will take place over two phases. Their route in phase one will include Greece, Albania, and Croatia, and will finally end in Italy.
Al Sada also noted that the cruise will include stops at several Mediterranean islands such as the Greek Island of Mykonos and Italy's Sicily.
The second phase will set-off in June 2020 and will include harbours in France and Spain, while the third phase will pass through to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.