Participants during the registration for the Marmi 2026 competition.
Doha, Qatar: For the second consecutive day, registration continued yesterday, for the 17th Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) Championships, at the Qatar Falconry Association headquarters in the Katara Cultural Village Foundation (Building No. 33).
The festival is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani at the Marmi falconry grounds in Sealine, with support from the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam). It has become a landmark event in the efforts of the Qatari Falconry Association to preserve Qatari and Gulf heritage, attracting a large audience of participants in its various championships and competitions, as well as Qataris, residents, and foreign tourists. For them, it offers an important opportunity to learn about this rich heritage amidst an atmosphere of enjoyment, excitement, and challenge.
Mohammed Mubarak Al Ali, the official spokesperson and head of the committees for the Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026), stated that registration was strong for the Haddad Al Tahaddi, Al Tala’a, Al Da’wa, and Saluki races. He noted that a large number of participants registered electronically, particularly for the Al Tala’a and Al Da’wa championships. He added that pre-registration for the Haddad Al Tahaddi championship during the previous month (November 17-19, 2025) significantly helped alleviate pressure, especially since a number of falconers had international commitments.
He noted that the second day saw the conclusion of registration for the Saluki Racing Championship, while also urging participants to take advantage of the final day to register for the Haddad Al-Tahadi, Al-Talaa, and Al-Da’wa Championships today.
The official spokesperson and head of the Marmi Festival committees also indicated that registration for the Promising Falconer Championship will take place at the festival site in Sabkhat Marmi, Sealine. The date for the promising falconers’ participation will be determined once the total number of registered participants for the festival is finalised.
Several festival committee officials explained that the registration process is proceeding smoothly and commended the falconers who have become well-versed in all the procedures and regulations.
In this regard, Shawi Al-Kaabi, head of the Haddad Al-Tahadi Committee, stated that the second day of registration witnessed a large turnout, as expected. He noted that registration for the Haddad Al-Tahadi Championship continues until tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Burqaa building in the headquarters of the Al-Qannas Association in Katara.
Al-Kaabi called on falconers from Qatar, the GCC countries, and other Arab nations to register for this championship, which features fierce competition between falconers and racing pigeons. He emphasised the committee’s commitment to streamlining the registration process, noting that registered falcons are inspected within minutes to facilitate participation.
For his part, Mubarak Al-Kuwari, a member of the Saluki Hunting Committee, stated that the second and final day of registration for the Saluki racing championship saw a good turnout of participants. He indicated that the championship will consist of two rounds: one for purebred Arabian Salukis and another for hybrid Salukis.
