“S’hail 2026” concludes a decade of passion and heritage and continues its journey towards a global horizon*
rki.news | Sources Katara
DOHA, Qatar: The Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition, S’hail 2026, concluded its 10th edition today, held under the theme “A Decade of Passion and Heritage,” amid a strong public turnout and broad international participation. The event marked the completion of a decade-long journey of steady growth that has established S’hail as one of the leading specialised gatherings for falconry, hunting and heritage, as well as a platform bringing together tradition, innovation, business and tourism.
### Strong public turnout and official visits
The 10th edition witnessed a large and sustained public turnout throughout the exhibition, with visitors of all ages attending S’hail’s activities and exploring the latest products and equipment related to hunting, falconry and desert expeditions. Visitors also followed the auction, competitions and accompanying cultural, heritage and artistic programmes.
The 10th edition also welcomed a number of high-level official visitors, reflecting S’hail’s growing standing and importance in supporting Qatari heritage and strengthening its presence locally and internationally. The visits also demonstrated the interest the exhibition has attracted from officials, institutions and various organisations, further highlighting its growing role as a platform connecting heritage with business, tourism, trade and innovation.
### A finale marked by auction and awards
The final day featured a packed programme, led by the conclusion of the S’hail falcon auction, which attracted the attention of falconers and enthusiasts from Qatar and abroad. The auction witnessed strong competition for a selection of distinguished and rare falcons, reaffirming its status as one of the exhibition’s leading events and a major attraction for specialists and enthusiasts.
The final day also saw the honouring of sponsors and participating companies in the 10th edition in recognition of their role in the success of the exhibition and the enhancement of its programmes and activities.
Winners of the accompanying competitions were also honoured, including the competitions for the Best Burqa, Best Participating Pavilion, Best Garage, and Best Poem about the Falcon. The competitions added a spirit of creativity and healthy competition to the exhibition while highlighting different aspects of falconry and its associated heritage.
### Malka Al Shireem: Media a key partner in S’hail’s success
Malka Mohammed Al Shireem, member and secretary of the Supreme Organising Committee of S’hail 2026, said the 10th edition received extensive and distinguished media coverage, with local, Arab and international media outlets following the exhibition’s activities from its opening through to its final day.
She praised the role played by local, Arab and international media, as well as digital platforms and social media, in covering S’hail 2026 and introducing its various aspects to audiences. She said the exhibition’s strong media presence reflected the level of interest it has generated not only in Qatar but also at the regional and international levels.
Al Shireem explained that the media had succeeded in presenting S’hail as more than a traditional exhibition by highlighting it as a platform where falconry, heritage, business, tourism and innovation converge, while also creating opportunities for companies, specialists and enthusiasts of this heritage to connect with one another from different parts of the world.
She stressed that the organising committee views the media as a strategic partner in S’hail’s journey, given its pivotal role in conveying the exhibition’s message, strengthening its presence and promoting Qatari heritage globally. The extensive coverage accompanying the 10th edition, she added, represented an important addition to the exhibition’s record of achievements.
Al Shireem expressed her thanks and appreciation to all media organisations, journalists, photographers, correspondents and media professionals who covered S’hail 2026, praising their efforts to convey the details of the event and showcase its positive image. She affirmed that this media cooperation would remain an important pillar in the exhibition’s journey towards greater international presence and influence.
### S’hail: A decade of passion and heritage
Over the past decade, S’hail has charted a steady path of growth driven by passion, heritage and innovation, becoming one of the world’s leading specialised gatherings for falconry, hunting and heritage.
The journey began in 2017, when the exhibition brought together the authenticity of Qatari heritage and the spirit of modernity, with the participation of 95 companies from 15 countries and more than 50,000 visitors. S’hail began establishing its identity as a destination bringing together enthusiasts of this heritage from around the world.
In 2018, the exhibition continued to grow and expand, attracting more than 116,400 visitors and more than 150 companies from 20 countries, while launching the first electronic auction for falcons.
The 2019 edition marked another significant milestone with a visit by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God rest his soul. The tent design was also adopted as a symbol of heritage and desert expeditions.
In 2020, the exhibition underwent a notable digital transformation, with the falcon auction moving to an electronic application and registration, booking and payment services becoming available online.
In 2021, S’hail returned with around 160 companies from 19 countries. In 2022, it expanded by 20%, hosting around 180 local and international companies across three specialised fields. The edition also coincided with a visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The 2023 edition recorded a record 650,628 visitors, with 202 companies from around 21 countries participating. In 2024, the exhibition opened new horizons with the participation of companies from China, Poland and Australia, while launching a number of new initiatives targeting children.
In 2025, S’hail further consolidated its position as an integrated global platform, with around 200 companies from 18 countries participating, alongside efforts to strengthen local products and develop the auction and accompanying activities.
Today, S’hail 2026 celebrates its 10th edition, continuing a journey that began with “Najm” and moving towards broader horizons — a journey that has made heritage, innovation and technology a shared language, and transformed passion into a global platform reflecting Qatar’s identity and international presence.
### S’hail 2026: Sustainable hunting meets services, heritage protection and craftsmanship
The 10th edition of S’hail 2026 reflected the exhibition’s expanding scope and growing integration, with participation extending beyond traditional hunting and falconry products and equipment to include sustainable hunting experiences, logistics services and the protection of archaeological sites.
The participation of the Al Shamal Sustainable Hunting Reserve and Rabda Sustainable Hunting Reserve stood out, offering visitors distinctive experiences combining a passion for hunting with an appreciation of nature through organised programmes and specially prepared environments for desert enthusiasts.
The two reserves allow visitors to enjoy hunting experiences involving gazelles and Arabian oryx, with the option of booking a camp for a minimum of two days and flexibility regarding the length of stay and the number of game animals, in accordance with approved regulations and programmes.
Covering approximately 400 square kilometres, Rabda Reserve also offers the option of booking the entire area, providing guests with a more private experience.
The diversity of participation extended to logistics, with Qatar Post presenting integrated solutions for international and domestic shipping and delivery within Qatar, as well as specialised corporate services and support for import and export operations to meet the needs of exhibitors and specialists.
The “Atharuna” (Our Archaeology) pavilion also made its first appearance, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of preserving archaeological and heritage sites in Qatar, particularly among hunting, desert and maritime communities.
Saif Ghanem Al Mansouri, archaeological sites supervisor, said the participation aimed to educate the public about the importance of avoiding archaeological sites and preventing their damage or destruction. He noted the strong interaction and significant turnout witnessed by the pavilion.
As the curtain falls on the 10th edition following five days packed with activities, competitions, meetings and visits, S’hail has demonstrated that its first decade was not the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new phase of ambition and expansion, further strengthening its international presence.
