Doha, Qatar – Registration is now open for the 17th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026), a significant event celebrating a traditional sport deeply embedded in Qatari culture. The festival, scheduled for December 21-23, 2025, at the Qatari Society of Al Gannas (QSA) headquarters in Katara Cultural Village, anticipates a large turnout of participants and spectators. This year’s event will feature a variety of competitions, including falcon racing and hunting challenges.
The QSA announced the commencement of registration on December 13, 2025, with the Promising Falconer Championship specifically taking place at the Sabkhat Marmi location in Sealine. The exact dates for the Promising Falconer competition will be determined following the completion of registration across all events and a subsequent draw to assign contestants.
Preserving Falconry: The Importance of Marmi Festival
The Marmi Festival has grown in prominence since UNESCO recognized falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. According to the QSA, the festival plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting this heritage, ensuring its continuation for future generations. This recognition highlights the cultural and historical significance of falconry, particularly within the Gulf region and Qatar.
Falconry, historically a method of hunting for sustenance, has evolved into a respected sport and a symbol of Bedouin tradition. The Qatari Society of Al Gannas actively works to maintain the skills and knowledge associated with this practice. The festival provides a platform for showcasing these skills and fostering a sense of community among falconers.
Key Championships and Competitions
Marmi 2026 will feature several popular championships. Al Tal’a focuses on the skill of falcon hunting, specifically targeting the houbara bustard. Al Da’wa is a high-speed falcon racing competition with various categories based on falcon type and age.
Additionally, the Haddad Challenge pits falcons against homing pigeons, testing the falcon’s speed and agility. The Saluki Haddad Championship showcases the traditional hunting prowess of Saluki dogs. The Promising Falconer Championship is specifically designed to encourage youth participation in the sport of falconry.
Early registration for the Haddad Challenge Championship concluded on November 19, 2025, having taken place at the QSA premises. This staggered registration approach aims to manage the influx of applicants and ensure a smooth competition process.
The festival’s organizing committee, led by President of the Marmi Festival, Metab Al Qahtani, is prioritizing the inclusion of young falconers. Al Qahtani emphasized the committee’s commitment to empowering youth through valuable prizes and opportunities within the falcon competitions. This focus on the next generation is seen as vital for the long-term preservation of the tradition.
The annual event is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, demonstrating the high level of support for falcon-related cultural activities within Qatar. The patronage underscores the importance of preserving national heritage and promoting traditional sports.
Beyond the competitive aspects, the festival also serves as a cultural hub, attracting visitors interested in learning about Qatari traditions and the art of falcon breeding and training. The event contributes to Qatar’s tourism sector and provides a unique cultural experience for both residents and international guests. The growing popularity of heritage festivals in the region reflects a broader trend of cultural preservation and promotion.
The QSA will now finalize the registration process and conduct the draw for contestants across all championships. The schedule for the Promising Falconer Championship will be announced following this step. Organizers are monitoring registration numbers closely to anticipate the scale of the event and ensure adequate resources are allocated. Further details regarding specific competition rules and regulations are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, the Qatari Society of Al Gannas will continue to refine the festival based on participant feedback and evolving best practices in heritage event management. The success of Marmi 2026 will likely influence future initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving traditional Qatari sports and cultural practices.
