DOHA: Preparations for the sixth Qatar International Falcon and Hunting Festival are almost complete as registration ends today.
Mohammed Abdulatif Al Misnad, Vice-Chairman, Al Gannas Association and the festival organising committee, said 80 percent preparations were finished and the panel is finalising time for the start of the festival on Thursday.
Immediately after registration, the committee will fix the timetable for the competition, he said, adding that in doing the schedule they will take into account the fact that some Qatari participants are also taking part in contests abroad.
“In preparing the schedule for the young falconers’ competition, we will ensure that it does not clash with school examinations,” he said.
The judges panel comprises falconers known for their experience and knowledge of the festival. Some of them have participated in other festivals here and abroad as competitors and judges, he added.
The festival has seen significant improvements, one of which is on documentation in which modern cameras will be used to follow the falcons during the competition. This will be done in collaboration with Al Kass channel which will broadcast the event.
Katara General Manager Khalid Ibrahim Al Sualiti said this is one of the biggest festivals at local and GCC levels and Qatar is giving importance to the event as part of its support for heritage and cultural events.
This is one of the heritage events organised by the association to consolidate the Qatari heritage and identity, he said.
The festival has seen huge rush of people since it started registration on Thursday.
Juma Ali Al Bouanain, who will participate in Hudhud Challenge for the first time, said he was pleased with the longer registration period.
He, who is participating in other festivals in the GCC, said he trained two months prior to the festival. Two of his sons will also participate in the young falconers’ competition for the age group 6-10, he said.
Saeed Hamad Abu Sharib, taking part in Al Dao competition for the fifth time, said the festival has seen progress every year in terms of organisation and the registration committee is cooperative which encourages more people to register.
The Peninsula
