Doha, Qatar: Preparations have started for the seventh edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition, also known as S’hail. The upcoming event is set to take place from September 5 to 9 at the Al Hikma Square in Katara Cultural Village.
On visiting the village yesterday, early stages of preparations can be seen including the installation of roofs and other essential structures.
The significance of the exhibition in preserving the rich culture and heritage of hunters and falconers was highlighted by the Katara General Manager Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti in a statement made earlier. S’hail has evolved into one of Katara’s most remarkable endeavours, effectively promoting Qatari culture and history in the domains of falconry and hunting, he explained.
Last year’s exhibition was a remarkable triumph, attracting 180 leading companies specialising in hunting weapons, supplies, falcons, and associated products and services.
Moreover, it witnessed the participation of 20 countries, including Qatar, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and others.
Established in 2017, S’hail has grown into a globally acclaimed platform in Qatar. S’hail is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of hunting and falconry. The event aims to create awareness about the country’s rich cultural legacy by hosting world-class exhibitions, awe-inspiring events, educational programmes, and environmental initiatives, both at the national and global levels.
S’hail, also known as Canopus, holds profound importance in Arabic culture, often associated with new beginnings. It serves as a guiding light for birds and hunters, marking the commencement of the hunting season. The event itself encompasses four distinct stages, each carrying its own symbolic significance.
Renowned Arabic poets have frequently extolled the significance of S’hail in their timeless masterpieces, further cementing its place in the region’s cultural heritage. In harmony with nature’s rhythm, the hunting season officially commences with the appearance of S’hail in the night sky.
On the commercial front, the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition, S’hail, symbolises the beginning of the hunting and falconry trade.
