May and Gilan

May and Gilan (Arabic: مي و غيلان, romanized: May and Ghilân; also spelled Mai and Ghaylan[1]) is a legend, or hikâya, originating from Qatar.

[2] A pivotal moment occurs when May's boats, propelled by skilled rowers, outpace Ghilân's vessels on the route to the pearl oyster beds.

May's boldness challenges conventional gender roles, while Ghilân's strategic prowess reinforces his status as a revered leader.

[2] While the legend of May and Ghilân has endured within Qatari folklore, its widespread dissemination has been limited primarily to the locality of Al Khor.

Matar Ali and Fouad Al-Hariri composed and arranged the musical notes of the operetta, while Faisal Al-Tamimi directed the acting performances.

Traditional rowing boat used by the people of Al Khor on display in the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum