Doha, Qatar – Registration for the 17th Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival, known locally as Marmi Festival, commenced today, December 21st, at the Qatar Falconry Association headquarters within Katara Cultural Village. The annual event, held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, will feature a range of traditional competitions and aims to preserve the cultural heritage of falconry. Registration is open until December 23rd, from 4pm to 8pm, for most championships.
The Marmi Festival draws participants and spectators from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, showcasing the skills of falconers and the speed of their birds. Key competitions include Al-Talaa, focused on falconry techniques for hunting the houbara bustard; Al-Da’wa, a high-speed falcon race; and the unique Haddad Al-Tahadi, pitting falcons against racing pigeons. The Saluki Hadad Championship and the Promising Falconer Championship are also popular draws.
Preserving a Cultural Tradition: The Significance of the Marmi Festival
The festival’s importance extends beyond sport, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding an ancient practice. Falconry was officially recognized by UNESCO in November 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural and emotional value, particularly within the Arab world. This recognition spurred efforts to preserve the traditions, literature, and folklore associated with the sport, especially in countries like Qatar and throughout the Gulf region.
Registration Details and Championship Schedules
Online registration for the Al-Da’wa and Al-Talaa championships began on December 18th and will close on December 22nd. The organizing committee has streamlined the registration process for the Saluki race championship, with in-person sign-ups available on December 21st and 22nd.
To encourage broader participation, registration for the Haddad Challenge Championship (Peregrine Falcon category) opened to competitors from the United Arab Emirates and other GCC nations on December 17th and 18th at the Hamdan Bin Hamad Heritage Centre in Al-Habab. This outreach aims to simplify entry procedures for falconers traveling from neighboring countries.
According to Mutaib Al-Qahtani, Director of the Al-Qannas Association Championships and Head of the Marmi Festival, all championship registrations are running concurrently from December 21st to 23rd. This coordinated approach is intended to manage the influx of applicants efficiently.
The Marmi Festival has become a significant event in Qatar’s cultural calendar, attracting substantial media attention and contributing to the country’s tourism sector. The event also supports the conservation of the houbara bustard, a species vital to the tradition of falconry, through sustainable hunting practices and breeding programs. The popularity of Qatar’s cultural events continues to grow, positioning the nation as a hub for heritage preservation.
The organizing committee is currently finalizing the details of the judging criteria and prize allocations for each competition. The number of participants is expected to be high, reflecting the continued interest in falconry in Qatar and the wider region. The event also provides a platform for showcasing advancements in falcon breeding and training techniques, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the sport.
Looking ahead, the festival organizers will announce the official competition schedule and participant lists following the registration deadline. The success of this year’s registration process will be a key indicator of the overall attendance and engagement expected at the Marmi Festival. Further details regarding specific event timings and potential public viewing opportunities will be released in the coming weeks, and observers will be watching to see how the festival continues to adapt and innovate while upholding its core cultural values.
The continued growth of events like Marmi also highlights the increasing focus on houbara bustard conservation in the region, balancing traditional practices with environmental sustainability.
