DOHA: Registration for the sixth Qatar International Falcon and Hunting Festival began yesterday at the Al Gannas Association’s headquarters at Building 33 in Katara.
The five-day registration period is expected to witness a huge rush of participants from Qatar and around the region, given the success of the previous editions of the annual festival, which lasts a month.
Last year, more than 1,400 people from Qatar and neighbouring countries took part in competitions at Sabkath Marma, near Sealine, making the previous edition of the festival the biggest in terms of participation.
From January 1 to 31, the participants will compete in various contests to win big prizes. The categories include Al Mazain, Al Tala’a, Hadad Challenge, Al Da’o, Hadad Al Saluki, Young Saker and Old Saker competitions, among others.
Al Gannas Association and festival Chairman Ali bin Khatim Al Muhashadi said the annual festival had become a leading heritage event as well as a tourist attraction showing authentic Qatari heritage.
He stressed that this edition of the festival would boost tourism further by providing an environment suited to families and visitors and one that reflects Arabian hospitality.
Held under the patronage of H E Sheikh Joan bin Hamad Al Thani, this international competition rooted in Qatar’s culture and traditions will showcase some of the most beautiful and well-trained falcons.
Launched in 2010, it is one of the largest festivals in the region in the field of falconry and hunting.
Promoting wildlife preservation, protection of falcons and keeping alive falconry as an important aspect of Qatari culture are among the objectives of this annual event.
It also aims to promote excellence in the field of falconry and hunting and exchange of experience among falconers in the region.
Falconry is an important part of Qatari heritage, dating back to the country’s Bedouin roots. It is a hobby rooted in Qatari society that is passed from one generation to another.
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