Doha, Qatar – Twenty falconers have advanced to the finals of the prestigious Al-Da’aw competition, a key event within the ongoing Katara Falconry and Hunting Festival 2025. The competition, focused on falconry, features both “Young Peregrine Falcon” and “Adult Peregrine Falcon” categories, with ten finalists in each. The festival, which began earlier this week, continues at the Marmi Sabkha in Sealine until December 6th.
Qualifying rounds concluded yesterday, identifying the top competitors based on speed and precision. Jassim Fahad Al-Kuwari led the “Young Peregrine Falcon” qualifiers with a time of 19.125 seconds, while Abdullah Saeed Al-Marri’s falcon topped the “Adult Peregrine Falcon” category at 18.394 seconds. The event draws participants from across Qatar and the wider Gulf region, showcasing a traditional sport deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage.
The Thrilling World of Competitive Falconry
Falconry is a centuries-old tradition in the Arabian Peninsula, historically used for hunting and now celebrated as a competitive sport. The Katara Falconry and Hunting Festival aims to preserve and promote this cultural practice, attracting both seasoned falconers and a growing audience. The sport requires significant skill in training and handling the birds, as well as a deep understanding of their natural behaviors.
Qualifiers and Finalists
The “Young Peregrine Falcon” final will see competition from Jassim Fahad Al-Kuwari, Mohammed Rashid Al-Nuaimi, Muhanna Mohammed Al-Dosari (with three falcons), Sultan Hamad Al-Humaidi, Abdulmohsen Mohammed Al-Marri (with two falcons), Mohammed Khabab Al-Nuaimi, and Abdullah Amer Al-Kaabi.
Meanwhile, the “Adult Peregrine Falcon” category finalists include Abdullah Saeed Al-Marri (with three falcons), Mohammed Khabab Al-Nuaimi (with two falcons), Abdullah Amer Al-Kaabi (with two falcons), Ali Salem Aba Al-Zamat, Hassan Abdullah Al-Kubaisi, and Abdulmohsen Mohammed Al-Marri. The diverse participation highlights the growing popularity of hunting with falcons.
Additionally, organizers announced a postponement of the Al-Tala’a competition final due to unfavorable weather conditions. The final round is now scheduled for Friday, December 5th. This decision underscores the festival’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of both the birds and the falconers.
Expanding Competition Categories
Today’s schedule includes the final round of the Al-Da’aw competition, expanding beyond the Peregrine Falcon categories. Competitions will be held for Gyrfalcon (adult), locally produced Saker Falcon (young), and various young Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon hybrids. This diverse range of categories reflects the increasing sophistication of bird breeding and training within the sport.
The second edition of the Katara Falconry and Hunting Championship distinguishes itself by offering dedicated competitions for each falcon type, with each category having its own distinct round. This structure allows for a more focused and equitable assessment of the birds’ abilities. The festival also incorporates elements of traditional Qatari culture, including displays of traditional crafts and cuisine.
Looking ahead, the festival will continue through December 6th, culminating in the remaining championship finals. Organizers will be closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure the smooth and safe execution of all events. The results of the Al-Da’aw finals and the rescheduled Al-Tala’a competition are keenly anticipated by participants and spectators alike, and will further solidify Qatar’s position as a regional hub for falconry.
Katara Cultural Village is the primary organizer of the event. The Peninsula Qatar provided initial reporting on the qualifiers.
