rki.news | Sources Katara
DOHA – KATARA: The 10th edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition, *S’hail 2026*, continued on its fourth day with strong visitor attendance and a diverse range of exhibitors, products and cultural activities, bringing together Qatari heritage, traditional crafts, arts, modern technologies and sustainable hunting experiences.
The exhibition offers an integrated experience that goes beyond the traditional concept of an exhibition, bringing together leading companies, craftsmen, artists and specialised entities from Qatar and around the world. This further strengthens its position as an international gathering for enthusiasts of hunting, falconry, travel and heritage.
## S’hail Auction Highlights Rare Birds
Khalifa bin Sultan Al Hammadi, member of the Supreme Organising Committee of S’hail 2026, said the S’hail Auction has an exceptional character as the only auction specialising in highly rare birds, excluding hybrid birds. He said this gives it a special standing among falconers and falconry enthusiasts in Qatar and the Gulf countries.
Held for the 10th consecutive edition, the auction has continued to grow year after year, reflecting increasing interest in highly rare birds and a broad base of enthusiasts and collectors seeking distinctive birds.
This year’s auction features *43 birds*, all assessed by a specialised committee focusing on their aesthetic qualities and distinctive characteristics before selecting the finest specimens for the daily auction.
Al Hammadi said the final value of a bird is influenced by interest and competition among participants, particularly when an exceptional bird attracts a large number of bidders. He stressed that the S’hail Auction has become a leading destination for the finest and rarest birds, bringing together breeders, falconers and collectors in one location.
## Auction Features Rare and Valuable Falcons
The S’hail 2026 Auction remains one of the exhibition’s most popular attractions, offering visitors an opportunity to view and acquire rare and valuable falcons regarded among the most exclusive birds available to falconry enthusiasts.
This year’s auction features around *42 falcons, with four offered in the daily auction, while the main auction includes around 38 falcons from the first day through the final day. These include some of the rarest **saker falcons (Al-Hurr)*.
A specialised committee assesses participating falcons according to precise criteria, including their aesthetic qualities and distinctive characteristics. The auction has attracted strong interest from falconers and enthusiasts seeking rare falcons from around the world, strengthening S’hail’s position on the global falconry map.
## Gold-Embellished Guns and Artistic Works
S’hail 2026 is also presenting an exceptional collection combining luxury craftsmanship and artistic excellence, from Italian guns embellished with gold and mother-of-pearl to sculptures inspired by horses, camels, falcons and wild animals.
*Fabarm* guns, manufactured entirely in Italy, feature intricate gold and mother-of-pearl details. Some pieces include ornaments and engravings inspired by Islamic heritage, including Quranic verses. A pavilion representative said the guns are distinguished by high-quality craftsmanship and come with a five-year warranty.
The *Prologue* pavilion presents handmade pieces crafted from silver, platinum, precious stones and diamonds. British artist Gina is showcasing sculptures of Arabian animals, while South African artist *R. van Tieloff* is presenting bronze works depicting horses, camels and falcons, alongside trophies and awards.
The *Khalawi* pavilion features sculptures inspired by houbara bustards, gazelles and wild animals, together with equipment for camping and desert trips, vehicle outfitting and hunting gear.
## Knife Market Attracts Collectors
The knife market is attracting visitors with traditional craftsmanship, quality materials and distinctive designs from manufacturers and craftsmen from several countries.
Shakeel Ahmed Mughal of Pakistan’s *Pak Cutlery Consortium* said this is the company’s sixth consecutive participation in S’hail. He noted that the exhibition has become an important platform for promoting Pakistani products, building customer relationships and opening new markets for manufacturers and craftsmen.
The company is showcasing carefully crafted knives and traditional products reflecting the skills of Pakistani artisans. The market also features handmade products from Russia, Türkiye, Pakistan and England, including knives for cooking, camping, travel and outdoor activities, as well as everyday use.
## Live Painting Celebrates Falconry Heritage
The live-painting programme continues to attract visitors, with visual artists creating works before the public in an interactive experience combining creativity, documentation and dialogue. The activity brings falcons, falconry and Qatari heritage to life on canvas.
Visual artist *Hanifa Abdul Qader*, a member of the Qatar Fine Arts Society, has participated since the first edition. She said the experience has developed through direct interaction with visitors and opportunities to understand different types of falcons, their names and the world of falconry.
This year, she is presenting a work inspired by the transmission of falconry heritage from fathers to sons, portraying the relationship between generations and their shared passion for the tradition.
Artist *Mona Abu Zour* is participating for the ninth consecutive year with oil and monochrome works, while artist *Zeina* is creating an oil painting depicting a *“free falcon”* before visitors. Artist *Lulwa Abdulaziz* is combining various materials, including fabrics, with visual art through contemporary methods and techniques.
## Partnerships Strengthen S’hail’s Success
S’hail 2026 enjoys the support and sponsorship of the *Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), **Qatar Insurance Group, **Al Taysir Automobiles, **Al Mana Trading Company* and *Alfardan Premier Motors*, along with national companies and institutions.
The exhibition also receives media coverage from *Al Kass Sports Channels, Qatar Television, Sawt Al Khaleej Radio and Al Rayyan TV*, helping expand the reach of its activities and messages.
The organising committee expressed its appreciation to all sponsors, partners, supporting entities and media organisations for their role in the success of S’hail and in strengthening its presence year after year.
