The 17th edition of the Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival, known locally as Marmi 2026, is set to begin on January 1st in the Marmi Sabkha area of Sealine, Qatar. Running until January 24th, the festival will showcase traditional falconry skills and Saluki racing, attracting participants and spectators from across the region. Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, this year’s event promises increased competition and substantial prizes.
The festival, supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund “Daam”, is a significant cultural event in Qatar, celebrating the country’s heritage and the Bedouin tradition of falconry. It serves as a platform for both seasoned falconers and the next generation to demonstrate their expertise. The event’s location in Sealine provides a fitting backdrop, reflecting the historical connection between falconry and the desert landscape.
Highlighting the Falconry Competitions at Marmi 2026
The festival will kick off with the highly anticipated Hadad Al-Tahadi (Challenge) competition, starting January 1st. This competition involves releasing a trained falcon to pursue a homing pigeon, with success – either a catch or cornering the pigeon – resulting in a QR100,000 prize and qualification for the final round. According to Mutaib Al-Qahtani, Director of Championships at the Al-Qannas Association and Head of the Marmi Festival, 18 groups will participate in this year’s Hadad Al-Tahadi.
Alongside the Challenge, the Al-Talaa competition will also begin on January 2nd. This event tests the falcon’s visual acuity, requiring it to locate a houbara bustard placed two kilometers away. The fastest falcon to reach and catch the bustard advances to the next stage. Qualifying rounds for Al-Talaa will be held over several days, with groups competing in stages from January 2nd to January 7th.
Promising Falconers Championship
A key focus of Marmi 2026 is nurturing young talent through the Promising Falconer Championship. Online registration for this event, open to participants aged 6-15, concluded on January 1st. The championship features a 200-meter lure race divided into two categories based on the falcon’s breed and upbringing – Taba’ and Shuwayhinah (wild or captive-bred), and Qarmousha, Kubujwal, and Loki (also wild or captive-bred).
This initiative underscores the importance of preserving the art of falconry for future generations. The inclusion of both wild and captive-bred falcons acknowledges the evolving practices within the sport. The competition aims to provide a safe and structured environment for young falconers to hone their skills and passion for the tradition.
Meanwhile, concurrent with the Promising Falconer Championship qualifiers, the Saluki Racing Championship qualifiers will also take place. Saluki racing is another deeply rooted tradition in the Gulf region, showcasing the speed and endurance of these elegant hunting dogs. This parallel event adds another layer of cultural significance to the festival.
The Al-Talaa Championship qualifiers will continue according to a set schedule, with groups 11-15 competing on January 4th, groups 16-20 on January 5th, groups 21-25 on January 6th, and groups 26-30 on January 7th. Following the completion of the qualifying rounds, a draw will determine the schedule for the final rounds of competition.
The Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival is not only a sporting event but also a celebration of Bedouin culture and a demonstration of the enduring relationship between humans and birds of prey. The festival’s increasing popularity reflects a growing interest in preserving these traditional practices. The success of the event relies heavily on the participation of skilled falconers and the support of organizations like Daam.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the final rounds of both the Hadad Al-Tahadi and Al-Talaa competitions, where the most skilled falconers and their birds will vie for the top prizes, including a Lexus vehicle. The dates for these final rounds will be announced following the completion of the qualifying draws. The overall impact of the festival on promoting falconry and cultural tourism in Qatar remains to be seen, but early indicators suggest a positive trend.
The continued growth of the hunting festival and its associated events will likely be a key area of observation for cultural preservationists and tourism officials alike.
