Katara, the Cultural Village Foundation, in collaboration with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Doha Office, inaugurated yesterday the cultural diversity festival at Katara Drama Theatre. The festival features the participation of over 20 countries with their artistes showcasing their traditions and heritage. The opening ceremony featured the folklore performance by a Qatari band. A band from Philippines will perform today at Katara esplanade, in front of the amphitheatre. The event kicked off in the presence of The General Manager of Katara Foundation Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, under Secretary Rabia Mohamed Al Kaabi, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, UNESCO Doha Office Director Anna Paolini and International Organization of Folk Art Vice President Ali Abdullah Khalifa. The representatives of diplomatic missions in Doha were also present during the opening ceremony of the diversity festival. In his opening speech, Dr. Al Sulaiti expressed pride in the fact that Katara is a prominent cultural edifice in the Middle East, by establishing an international cultural vision vividly displayed through hosting grand cultural events and festivals from all over the world. “Katara has always been distinguished for organizing local traditional events that sought to revive the original Qatari heritage. We are looking forward to implement more international cultural partnerships and mainly with UNESCO.” Al Kaabi said the festival that will continue for six months, will definitely contribute to fostering cultural, human interaction and dialogue. Paolini described the festival as a great opportunity to promote cultural diversity. “I am really delighted to see this edition of the festival here in Qatar. On behalf of UNESCO, I would like to extend gratitude to Katara for their contribution to the organization and preparations for the festival.” She noted that UNESCO is committed to protect tangible cultural heritage, which is a treasure inherited from the ancestors. The festival had taken part of the countries such as Argentina, Kenya, Turkey, Spain, Jordan, India, Bahrain, Serbia, Singapore, Jordan and others, which showed their own traditions and folklore.