DOHA: Forty-six stunning photographs taken by Qatari lensman Ahmed Yousef Al Khulaifi during the recent Al Galayl competition are on public display at an exhibition titled “Al Galayl: Wish of A Hunter”, which opened at Katara Building 18 yesterday.
The exhibition provides a vista of traditional hunting practised in the country and the region for a long time. The photos show how the hunters go hunting with falcons and salukis, whether on foot or on horses and camels, and the challenges they face.
“This exhibition features aspects of our ancestors’ hunting ways, showing their efforts, suffering, joy, and care for animals,” said Al Khulaifi, adding that the exhibition also displayed the beauty of nature and the amazing landscape of Al Meshabia.
“The photographic works reflect my experience, what I have seen at the “Al Galayl”, which was an unforgettable experience because they take me back to an experience that is important in our Arab sporting culture,” he added.
The photos were taken at the recent Al Galayl competition held at the Al Meshabia conservation area in the southern part of the country. With a total prize money of QR2m, the competition, which is held in February every year, requires six- to nine-member teams to hunt the maximum number of deer, bustards and curlews using salukis and falcons.
Al Khulaifi is the chairman of the board of directors of Qatar Photographic Society. He has participated in a number of group exhibitions and won several awards for his works. This is his third solo exhibition in Qatar, following the “Magic of Nature of Qatar” expo in 2012 and the recent “Fath Al Kheir” exhibition, which featured the 27-day journey of the dhow Fath Al Kheir to the six GCC countries last year.
The exhibition, which runs until June 2, was opened by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari.
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