The second edition of the Katara Falconry and Hunting Championship is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 26, at the Marmi Sabkha in Sealine, Qatar. This traditional sport, Katara aims to celebrate and preserve the heritage of falconry, a practice deeply rooted in the region’s cultural identity. The championship will feature a series of competitions, drawing participants from across Qatar and potentially wider GCC nations.
Director of Championships for the Qatar Falconry Association, Mutaib Al-Qahtani, announced the detailed schedule yesterday. Competitors have already undergone registration and a draw to determine competition timings. The event promises a full week of intense competition and displays of skill in both falcon handling and Saluki racing.
Championship Schedule and Falconry Events
The competition is broken into distinct phases, beginning with qualifying rounds for various falcon categories. Wednesday’s schedule opens with qualifying heats for falconry groups 1 through 7. Simultaneously, qualifying rounds will start for the “Gyrfalcon chick” and “Gyrfalcon-Peregrine hybrid” classifications, with participants arriving at different times to accomodate both events.
Thursday will continue with qualifying rounds targeting groups 8 through 14 in the falconry competition, joined by further heats for the Gyrfalcon chick and Gyrfalcon-Peregrine hybrid categories. This structured progression allows for a thorough assessment of each falcon’s capabilities.
Friday marks a key turning point with the first finals scheduled for the Gyrfalcon-Peregrine hybrid category. Qualifying rounds will also continue for groups 15 through 20, and in the Gyrfalcon-Peregrine hybrid classification.
Saluki Racing and Promising Falconer Competition
Saturday expands the championship beyond falconry, introducing the Saluki race qualifying rounds. Additionally, the “Promising Falconer” competition will take place, aiming to identify and nurture emerging talent in the sport. This diversification highlights the broader scope of traditional hunting practices in Qatar.
Sunday is dedicated to further qualifying rounds in falconry, with the finals for the Gyrfalcon-Peregrine hybrid category also being held. Monday will see a concentrated series of finals for various Gyrfalcon-Peregrine hybrid classifications.
The championship culminates on December 2nd and 6th with the final falconry competitions. December 2nd will host the final competition, alongside qualifying rounds for the Peregrine Falcon Chick and Adult categories. December 6th will feature the Elite Round, alongside the finals for Peregrine Falcon Chick and Adult categories.
According to Al-Qahtani, the top 20 falcons from the Gyrfalcon-related categories based on qualifying times will advance to a prestigious Elite Round, highlighting the highest performers. The Saluki race final will also be held on the concluding day. The Saluki, a sighthound breed, has a long history in the Arabian Peninsula as a hunting companion.
The increasing popularity of falconry in the region has led to a greater focus on conservation efforts. The championship provides a platform to address the sustainable practices needed to protect falconry and ensure the well-being of these magnificent birds. This corresponds with wider initiatives to preserve Qatar’s natural heritage alongside modernization.
Looking ahead, organizers will assess the results of the December 6th finals and likely begin preparations for the third edition of the championship. Future iterations may explore expansion of the competition categories or international participation, depending on available funding and logistical considerations. The success of the event will be monitored by the Qatar Falconry Association to ensure continued growth and relevance of this cultural tradition.
