Doha, January 24 (QNA) - The third edition of winter festival 2016, was inaugurated on Sunday by the General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti. The activities of winter festival will continue till the 28th of January at Katara esplanade.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said: "We are pleased to announce today the launch of the 3rd edition of the Winter Festival for year 2016 in Katara. This year edition draws a significant participation of institutions and entities. Katara strives to set up this festival during schools’ winter break-time. It aims at presenting several useful activities that would contribute towards educating, entertaining and raising children’s awareness." "The festival presents various activities and events that hold numerous cultural and educational messages aimed at those children to benefit them during their daily life and at school as well," Dr. Al Sulaiti added.
Katara General Manager stressed that the festival goes in line with Katara’s objectives to attract all family members to take part in cultural events. HE further added that all visitors, and especially the children, will find all what interest them at this festival since Katara has been keen on collaborating with several sectors in the country to organize fascinating and remarkable features to present to the audience.
For his part, the Head of Winter Festival Organizing Committee, Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Tamimi, called for Katara visitors to seize the opportunity of spending constructive and useful time while participating at the fruitful events of winter festival third edition.
It's noteworthy that in this 3rd edition of the festival, the Childhood Cultural Center is planning several children activities including competitions and games, with gifts distribution. While Qatar Heritage and Identity centre is featuring a unique educational theatrical show highlighting the winter season besides numerous entertaining activities, organized with an aim of a acquainting the public and children with the Qatari cultural and national identity, and Qatar's flora.
To raise awareness on healthcare during the winter season, two health campaigns are set to launch during the festival this year. One campaign will be delivered by Bin Muftah’s medical center to raise the visitors’ awareness on winter common diseases, foods to eat during the season, and some healthy habits to follow. The other campaign is by Al Rabiee medical center to raise awareness on skincare during the winter season.
During a visit to an introductory expo by Qatar News Agency (QNA) organized as part of the festival, Dr Al Sulati underpinned QNA's important role of dissemination of information and awareness in a society.

Meanwhile, AlGannas Society is organizing information sessions aimed at junior falconers, and other sessions for falconry and hunting using salouki dogs. The festival will also feature a variety of events and activities including; exhibitions and workshops by Al Galayel competition. 

Birds and animals exhibition by Kanari World pet store, performances by various cultural bands, assorted activities by the ministry of municipality and urban planning, games at the beach front organised by Katara, a photo exhibition, kids workshops, painting workshops for adults, and a display of handcrafts by Qatar University’s alumni association, and an introductory expo by Qatar News Agency (QNA). QNA's educational exhibition at the Katara Esplanade focusses on the role of dissemination of information and awareness in a society. 

Cultural Village Foundation-Katara has always been keen to launch organize these educational and entertaining festivities in winter with the participation of the private and government sectors in Qatar. The third edition of winter festival is launched with an aim of attracting the public and children in specific. These festivities are sought to afford the children a glimpse on Qatari life style during winter.