Doha, Qatar – Ali Hassan Al-Saai was crowned the champion of the prestigious Al-Talaa Championship at the 17th Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) yesterday. The final competition, held at Marmi Sabkha in Sealine, saw Al-Saai succeed where other skilled falconers faltered, unable to secure successful hunts and landings with their birds. The festival, running until January 24, draws participants and spectators from across the region and internationally.
The Thrilling Conclusion of the Al-Talaa Championship
The Al-Talaa Championship concluded with a captivating final round featuring five prominent falconers: Abdulhadi Jaber Hussein, Ali Hassan Al-Saai (competing with two falcons), Abdulhadi Obaid Al-Marri, and Shaheen Salem Al-Dosari. Al-Saai’s performance ultimately proved superior, earning him the coveted first-place title. However, the remaining competitors were unable to achieve the necessary results for second and third place, as their falcons did not successfully land and complete a hunt.
Preserving a Legacy: The Importance of Falconry in Qatar
The Marmi Festival, held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund “Daam”, is deeply rooted in Qatar’s cultural heritage. Ali Ayash Al-Mansouri, Head of the Al-Talaa Championship Committee, emphasized the event’s role in preserving traditions surrounding falconry and the historical lifestyle of Qatar’s desert communities. Falconry was once essential for sustenance and a core element of Bedouin life.
The championship specifically replicates traditional hunting methods, requiring skill, precision, and a strong connection between the falconer and their bird. This emphasis on authenticity differentiates the Al-Talaa Championship and attracts participants dedicated to maintaining the art of traditional hunting. The tournament also highlights the intense training that falcons undergo to refine their natural abilities.
Al-Saai expressed his gratitude to the festival organizers, recognizing Marmi as a vital annual event for falconers. He appreciated the diversity of competitions offered, noting the festival’s commitment to appealing to a wide range of skills and interests within the falconry community. His success in the Al-Talaa Championship underscores the dedication and expertise fostered by the festival.
Marmi Festival: A Broader Celebration of Qatari Culture
Beyond the Al-Talaa Championship, the wider Marmi Festival showcases a variety of events celebrating Qatari culture. These include traditional music and poetry performances, displays of craftsmanship, and competitions focused on other aspects of Bedouin heritage. The event serves as an important platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer.
The festival’s popularity is consistently growing, attracting increasing numbers of local and international visitors. This growth contributes to Qatar’s tourism sector and reinforces its position as a hub for cultural preservation. According to festival organizers, the event aims to promote sustainable practices within falconry and hunting, ensuring the longevity of this important tradition.
The remaining days of the festival will feature further championship rounds and cultural displays. Organizers are preparing for the final events which will close out the 2026 Marmi Festival on January 24th. Future editions are expected to continue expanding the scope of competitions and cultural experiences offered, however, specific plans for Marmi 2027 have not yet been announced. Potential attendees should monitor the official Marmi Festival website for updates on event schedules and registration details.
The outcome of other ongoing championships at Marmi 2026 remains to be seen, and their results will likely contribute to the broader understanding of the evolving landscape of falconry within Qatar and the wider Gulf region.
