The 17th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival Marmi 2026 is currently underway, taking place from January 1 to 24, 2026, at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine, Qatar. Organized by the Qatar Al Gannas Association, the festival aims to preserve and showcase traditional Qatari and Gulf falconry heritage.
Festival Details
Location: Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine desert area.
Dates: January 1–24, 2026.
Organizer: The Qatar Al Gannas Association.
Timing: Competitions often start at 5 am for morning sessions and 11 am for evening preparations.
Information: For more information and updates, visit the Visit Qatar website or the Al-Gannas Qatari Society website.
Key Competitions & Events
The festival features a variety of daily competitions and activities, including:
Haddad Al-Tahadi: A thrilling challenge where young Shaheen falcons chase homing pigeons for a prize of QR100,000.
Al-Talaa: A contest testing the falcons’ ability to locate prey (Houbara bustard) over long distances.
Al Da’u (Calling) Competitions: High-speed races for falcons over a 400-meter course.
Promising Falconer Championship: A competition for the 6-15 age group to foster young talent.
Mazayin Championship: A “most beautiful falcon” contest held on the last Saturday of the festival.
Saluki Races: A 2-kilometer race for Arabian Salukis.
Shotgun Shooting Competitions: Open to the public to discover shooting talents.
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