Registration for the 17th Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) continued to see strong participation on its second day, held at the Qatar Falconry Association headquarters in Katara Cultural Village. The annual event, a cornerstone of Qatari heritage, is drawing falconers and enthusiasts from across the Gulf region and beyond. Registration is currently underway for several key championships, including Haddad Al Tahaddi, Al Tala’a, Al Da’wa, and Saluki races.
The festival, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), will take place at the Marmi falconry grounds in Sealine. It aims to preserve and promote traditional falconry practices, offering a platform for competition and cultural exchange. According to festival officials, the event attracts both seasoned falconers and a growing number of tourists interested in experiencing this unique aspect of Qatari culture.
Marmi 2026: Registration Progress and Championship Details
Mohammed Mubarak Al Ali, the official spokesperson for Marmi 2026, reported a high volume of electronic registrations, particularly for the Al Tala’a and Al Da’wa championships. Pre-registration for the Haddad Al Tahaddi competition in November helped streamline the process, accommodating participants with international commitments. Registration for the Saluki Racing Championship concluded on the second day of in-person registration.
Key Championship Updates
The Haddad Al-Tahaddi championship, known for its intense competition between falcons and racing pigeons, continues to accept registrations until Wednesday at the Burqaa building in Katara. Shawi Al-Kaabi, head of the Haddad Al-Tahadi Committee, encouraged participation from falconers across the GCC and Arab nations, emphasizing the committee’s efforts to expedite falcon inspections.
Meanwhile, Mubarak Al-Kuwari, a member of the Saluki Hunting Committee, confirmed a good turnout for the Saluki racing championship. The competition will be divided into two categories: purebred Arabian Salukis and hybrid Salukis. This division aims to fairly assess the skills of different breeds within the traditional hunting sport.
Additionally, registration for the Promising Falconer Championship will be conducted at the festival site in Sabkhat Marmi, Sealine. The specific date for this championship will be determined after finalizing the total number of participants registered for the overall festival. This new championship aims to cultivate the next generation of falconers.
Festival committee officials have expressed satisfaction with the smooth registration process, noting that participants are increasingly familiar with the required procedures and regulations. This indicates growing awareness and engagement with the festival’s guidelines.
Preserving Heritage Through Competitive Falconry
The Marmi Festival plays a crucial role in safeguarding Qatar’s cultural heritage. Falconry, historically a vital skill for survival in the Arabian Peninsula, has evolved into a respected sport and a symbol of national identity. The festival provides a venue for showcasing this tradition and passing it on to future generations. The event also contributes to Qatar’s tourism sector, attracting visitors interested in experiencing authentic cultural events.
The final day of registration for Haddad Al-Tahadi, Al-Talaa, and Al-Da’wa championships is scheduled for Wednesday. Organizers are currently finalizing participant numbers and logistical arrangements for the upcoming competitions. The schedule for the Promising Falconer Championship will be announced shortly thereafter. The success of the registration period suggests a strong turnout is expected for Marmi 2026, further solidifying its position as a premier event in the world of falconry and traditional sports.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the commencement of the championships themselves. The precise dates and detailed schedules for each competition will be released in the coming days. Observers will be watching to see if participation levels exceed previous years, and how the new Promising Falconer Championship will contribute to the long-term sustainability of this important cultural practice.
