Old Doha Port has announced the opening of its first ever Fishing Exhibition, to be held at Mina Park from 9 to 12 April 2025. The exhibition will celebrate Qatar’s rich fishing heritage and showcase the latest developments in the local fishing industry. It will also pay tribute to the community, craftsmanship and cultural heritage. It also aims to make the exhibition an annual event.

For generations, fishing has been an important part of life in Qatar, providing a livelihood for coastal communities long before the discovery of oil. The sea was once the primary source of the country’s livelihood, trade and cultural significance. Traditional wooden boats set sail from ports such as Al Wakrah, Al Khor and now Old Doha Port. Fishing and the pearl trade were often family enterprises, with skills such as net making, boat building and maritime heritage passed down through the generations.