15 Countries and 158 Exhibitors Shape the Tenth Edition of Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition
rki.news
DOHA – KATARA, Sept. 8: From the heart of Qatari heritage, and with an international presence reflecting its growing stature, the 10th edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition, “S’hail 2026,” opened on Tuesday at the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara.
Running until September 12, the exhibition brings together 15 countries and 158 entities and companies, marking a new milestone in the event’s journey over the past decade. During that period, the exhibition has transformed passion for falconry and hunting into a platform bringing together culture, economy, tourism and innovation.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaity, Director-General of Katara and Chairman of the Organising Committee, in the presence of a number of dignitaries, ambassadors, diplomats, officials and a large audience of enthusiasts.
He toured the exhibition’s pavilions and sections, viewing the latest products, equipment and technologies and meeting a number of participants and exhibitors.
A Decade of “S’hail” and a Growing Horizon
The 10th edition carries significance beyond marking 10 years of success, opening the door to a new phase of ambition and expansion. From a specialised exhibition dedicated to hunting and falcons, “S’hail” has evolved into an annual gathering anticipated by falconers, hunting enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, as well as a destination attracting companies, manufacturers, craftsmen, experts and enthusiasts from Qatar, the region and around the world.
This year’s edition features 15 participating countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Poland, France, Türkiye, Lebanon, the UK, Pakistan, South Africa, Portugal, Lithuania, Spain and Russia.
A total of 158 entities and companies are showcasing a wide range of products and specialised services related to hunting, falconry and outdoor expeditions.
Al Sulaity: “S’hail” Is a Global Platform Creating Opportunities
Prof. Al Sulaity said the arrival of “S’hail” at its 10th edition reflects Katara’s success in turning cultural heritage into a living experience and a platform capable of engaging with the world.
“After 10 years, we are proud that ‘S’hail’ has become Qatari in identity and global in presence; a platform that preserves Qatari heritage in falconry and hunting and presents it through a high level of organisation and technology, while also opening new opportunities for companies, markets and tourism,” he said.
He added: “We want heritage to be present in the future, not merely preserved in memory. ‘S’hail’ is one of the models proving that heritage can be transformed into a cultural, economic and tourism asset capable of shaping the future.
“This is what ‘S’hail’ has succeeded in establishing. It has become a meeting point for culture, the economy and tourism, and a platform that presents Qatar to the world as a global destination for falconry, hunting and outdoor expeditions.”
He stressed that the exhibition’s ambition extends beyond organisational success to establishing a firmly rooted global standing.
“Our ambition is for ‘S’hail’ to become a global reference for falconry, hunting and heritage — not merely the largest in size, but the most influential, professional and connected to heritage,” he said.
“Daam” and a Nine-Year Partnership
“S’hail 2026” is supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), which has continued its partnership with the exhibition for the ninth consecutive year since the second edition.
Abdulrahman bin Abdul Latif Al Mannai, Executive Director of Daam, said the Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition, “S’hail,” has, through successive editions, established itself as one of the region’s leading specialised exhibitions.
He said the event had successfully evolved from a local event into an international platform attracting exhibitors and falconry and hunting enthusiasts from around the world, enhancing the profile of this authentic heritage and providing opportunities to exchange international expertise, knowledge and experiences in the field.
Al Mannai said Daam’s support since the second edition, and for the ninth consecutive year, represents an extension of a longstanding strategic partnership with Katara that has contributed to the event’s sustainability, success and development year after year.
He expressed pride in the partnership, describing it as an example of the importance of integrating national efforts to support cultural and heritage events, strengthen the presence of Qatari heritage and reinforce its value within society, ensuring its continuity and transmission to future generations.
Qatar as a Destination for Falconers and Hunting Enthusiasts
The international presence at “S’hail 2026” reflects Qatar’s growing position as a specialised destination for falconry, hunting and outdoor expeditions.
The exhibition brings together leading companies, producers and specialists in one location, alongside falcons, hunting weapons, hunting equipment, desert-trip supplies, off-road vehicle equipment and caravans.
This provides visitors with an integrated experience that extends beyond shopping to exploring an inherited culture and its evolution in the modern era.
An Integrated Platform
“S’hail 2026” features five main sections covering hunting weapons, falcon sales, hunting equipment, off-road vehicle outfitting, and restaurants and cafés, in addition to exhibitors specialising in safari and outdoor equipment, veterinary clinics, nature reserves, animal breeding farms, handicrafts and industries associated with hunting and falconry.
Participating companies are presenting their latest products and technologies, while four-wheel-drive vehicle and caravan exhibitors are giving visitors an opportunity to explore modern equipment specifically designed for outdoor and desert enthusiasts.
Arms Pavilions Attract Visitors
Hunting weapons, ammunition and accessories pavilions have attracted considerable attention at the 10th edition of “S’hail,” with specialised companies from several participating countries presenting a wide selection of weapons and international brands, as well as new models and distinctive products catering to the needs of falconers and hunting enthusiasts, in accordance with applicable regulations and controls.
Kuwait’s Al Qannas Weapons is showcasing a variety of shotguns and rifles from Italian, Belgian and Turkish brands, including Fabarm, Browning, Stoeger and Salex, alongside premium and distinctive models featuring gold detailing.
The company is also displaying a selection of air rifles from international brands, highlighting the variety of choices available to visitors.
Lebanon’s Johnson is participating with a selection of its latest products and models, including new Beretta models, as well as a wide range of hunting accessories and equipment.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Al Khudairi Weapons is showcasing a variety of firearms from Italian, American and Turkish brands, along with German and Czech air rifles, while offering special promotions and discounts during the exhibition.
These participations reflect the diversity of specialised weapons and hunting-equipment products and brands on display, as “S’hail 2026” provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the latest models, products and technologies in the sector within an environment that brings together authentic heritage and contemporary developments.
Cultural and Heritage Activities
The exhibition’s programme also extends beyond commercial pavilions, featuring a diverse range of activities, foremost among them a falcon auction, as well as competitions for the best burqa (falcon hood), best participating pavilion, best garage and best verses about falcons.
Visual artists are also drawing on the desert and hunting environment through works created live before the public, turning the exhibition into a vibrant space where commerce, culture, art and heritage converge.
New Facilities and Services
The 10th edition also introduces new facilities for participants and visitors in cooperation with relevant authorities, including services related to procedures for obtaining licences to purchase hunting weapons, replacing old weapons and obtaining ammunition, in accordance with applicable regulations and laws.
The initiative forms part of efforts to further develop the “S’hail” experience and strengthen integration between the exhibition and entities involved in the hunting and falconry sector, contributing to a more convenient and organised experience for participants and visitors.
S’hail 2026 Brings Global Falconry And Hunting Heritage To Qatar
