(ATR) A "true sense of Qatari culture," was on display for ANOC delegates to soak in ahead of the 2016 General Assembly in Doha.
Traditionally, the pre-assembly reception offers the host country an opportunity to showcase its unique culture to the world’s National Olympic Committees. Monday night, delegates had the opportunity to attend a reception on the eve of the assembly in the Al-Shaqab equestrian center in Doha. The reception was organized by the Qatar Olympic Committee, and offered a night of respite ahead of two days of meetings for the General Assembly.
As Arabian horses ran in the distance, delegates feasted on traditional Qatari cuisine and could visit a number of cultural displays including Arabian falcon handlers, traditional Henna artists, and Arabic calligraphy artists.
"People got to really experience the different parts of Qatar in this really beautiful venue that we are very proud of," Sheikha Asmaa Thani Al-Thani, Qatar Olympic Committee director of marketing and communications, told Around the Rings.
"We wanted the guests to have a true sense of the Qatari culture. So hospitality is very key for us; it is very important that everybody is full and happy and having a good time."
Performances throughout the night included musicians playing traditional Qatari music, and a performance of the Murada, a traditional dance done by young Qatari girls. In addition, a group performing Ardah dancing showcased traditional Qatari drums and sword dancing.
A large spread of Qatari traditional food kept the guests fed and in good spirits. Multiple attendees told ATR the highlight of the buffet was the roasted Camel with traditional Qatari rice.
Al-Shaqab, which hosted the event, is known for its Arabian horse breeding facility, as well as competition venues. It houses over 400 horses in stables spread out in a horseshoe shaped complex. The center recently hosted the International Modern Pentathlon Union’s Champion of Champions event on Nov. 12-13.
Al-Thani said the venue was chosen to host the reception due to it being in "the heart of Qatar." After being inaugurated in 1992 by the Qatari royal family, the Qatar Foundation integrated the facility into a larger complex for developing education, science, and technology.
"[Al-Shaqab] showcases the different spectacles of what you could see in Qatar," Al-Thani said.
As delegates filtered out of the reception, Al-Thani was hoping, if anything, the evening was an enjoyable, memorable experience. She said that if there was any takeaway from the event that it would be for to delegates to leave Doha with a new perspective on Qatar and its culture.
"I am actually very happy to see everyone smiling, interested in learning, standing over the different activities, and actually taking part of it," Al-Thani said. "I think it’s a beautiful start to ANOC."
Written and reported by Aaron Bauerin Doha, Qatar
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