More than 1,400 falconers have registered for the eighth annual Qatar International Falcon and Hunting Festival (Marmi Festival 2017) which kicks off on Sunday at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine.
Hundreds thronged the
Al Gannas Society headquarters during the four-day registration period especially on the last day which witnessed huge rush of last-minute registrants.
The total number of participants reached 1421, out of which 850 registered to participate in Hadad challenge — the most popular category of the competition. The number is expected to further increase in the coming days as registration for Al Mazain competition, a beauty contest for falcons, continues until the end of the festival.
“The registration witnessed rush of many interested falconers who wish to join the competitions for the festival which this year has a number of new features including the inclusion of Shaheen falcons in the Al Mazain contest,” said Ali bin Khatem Al Mehshadi, chairman of organising committee at a press conference.
Shaheen falcons must be at least 16 inches in width to enter Al Mazain, which will be held on the final day of the month-long festival.
There will be two rounds for GCC participants in Dao contest and each round will have prizes. GCC participants will also be able to compete with the best local falconers.
Latest cameras have been installed at the site of the competition because the Dao contest to ensure accuracy and transparency of results, said Al Mehshadi, adding this year’s venue has been equipped with more facilities such as family areas and health and entertainment facilities.
A lot of surprises are in store for visitors at the festival including gifts and prizes which will be given through raffle draws. There will also be a special day allocated to honour the senior falconers.
This year, the second place winner in Hadad Saluki will win a car while the first and second positions in the international Dao contest will each win cars while the third place will receive QR50,000.
Many tourists also came to witness the registration as well as tour the Al Gannas headquarters.
Held under the patronage of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the festival is aimed at promoting the preservation of wildlife, protection of falcons and maintaining falconry as an important aspect of Qatari tradition passed from one generation to another.
Considered one of the largest in the region, the festival also aims to promote excellence in falconry and hunting as well as the sharing of experiences among falconers in the region.
Having attracted more than 1,500 local and international participants and hundreds of visitors, the previous edition of the festival was the biggest and most exciting and was covered by local and international media outlets.
