Visit qatar: 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. According to Qatar News Agency, a statement from Visit Qatar noted that the festival will be curated as a living village along the northern shoreline. It 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, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, Ahmed Al Binali, said: "Al Ruwais, Maritime Heritage Festival activation, reflects Visit Qatar's commitment to showcasing Qatar's cultural heritage through experiences that are authent ic, 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 harbor life. 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 disco ver Qatar's northern coast during the spring season.