As the sun sets, a falcon perches on the arm of a young falconer during the Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine, on January 25, 2025. (Photo by Karim Jaafar / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: The 16th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2025) has continued to attract falconers and falconry enthusiasts in large numbers since the event began at the Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine area on January 1.
The event, held under the patronage of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and organised by the Qatar Al Gannas Society, is among the most eagerly awaited cultural festivals in the nation, highlighting the art of falconry and its lasting importance in Qatari heritage. Supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), the month-long festival will continue until February 1.
Falconry, an ancient tradition deeply embedded in the Arabian Peninsula, occupies a significant position in Qatari culture. The Marmi Festival exemplifies the country’s commitment to preserving this heritage while presenting it to an international audience. The festival not only attracts Qatari falconers but also welcomes participants and enthusiasts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and beyond.
This year’s Marmi Festival includes a variety of competitions designed to evaluate the skill, speed, and agility of both falcons and their trainers. Notable events feature Al Tala’a (Falcon Soaring), where falcons exhibit their ability to detect and pursue prey over considerable distances, showcasing their keen eyesight and stamina. Additionally, the Al Da’oo (Falcon Racing) event, which arguably garners the largest audience, sees falcons racing to their handlers, demonstrating remarkable speed and accuracy.
Complementing these falconry events is the Hudad Al Saluki (Saluki Dog Race), which highlights another essential aspect of Qatar’s hunting heritage.
A prominent highlight of this year’s event was the Promising Falconer Championship, which took place on Saturday. This competition showcased aspiring falconers aged between 6 and 15, who delivered remarkable demonstrations of their falconry abilities. The championship aimed to ensure the continuity of falconry heritage by nurturing the interest of younger generations. It was organised in two categories: the first included Al Tabaa, Al Shuwaihina, and Al Jabaliya, while the second comprised Al Wakri, Al Kubj, and Al Qarmousha.
The champions in each category were awarded QR25,000 for first place, QR20,000 for second place, QR15,000 for third place, QR10,000 for fourth place, and QR8,000 for fifth place.
The Marmi Festival has achieved considerable international acclaim, drawing attention from media outlets, tourists, and global falconry specialists.
This event underscores Qatar’s dedication to safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage, as falconry is acknowledged by Unesco as a vital component of humanity’s collective traditions.
Separately, Oryx Veterinary Clinic, one of the leading comprehensive animal healthcare centres, launched a three-day initiative to cater to young falconers from the age of 16 and under.
Founder of Oryx Veterinary Center Nasser Abdulla Jaber
Speaking to The Peninsula, the Founder of Oryx Veterinary Center Nasser Abdulla Jaber said that the centre provides four important tests for the falcons of falconers within the mentioned age, which was free during the period that ended on Saturday.
“This provided support for the young generation of falconers where we gave them a positive experience at the same time. They were also able to view the tests that were happening to their birds and got educated about the kind of tests we provide. This experience helped them to distinguish between different diseases and find the right processes for their falcons regarding medication and assessment,” he said.
Jaber added that the main purpose of the initiative was to provide a unique experience for the young falconers and show them that it is easy for them to differentiate and know what the correct diagnosis is.
