The falcon market in Souq Waqif has seen a noticeable revival over the recent period, with falcon sales rising by an estimate of 60% compared to the previous period, mostly pursuant to the announcement by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) of the opening of the migratory bird hunting season from early September through mid-February.
Falcon traders noted that demand is being driven primarily by a considerable number of Qataris preparing early for the hunting season, alongside visitors from other Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
While most purchases are made in person, traders said some Gulf customers also buy falcons through shops’ social media accounts, with sellers arranging delivery to buyers in their home countries.
Such seasonal surge is expected to continue through the coming months, with traders anticipating additional shipments of falcons from several countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, beginning in September.
Prices vary significantly according to the falcon’s type, origin and characteristics.
Traders said that Shaheen falcons start around QR30,000, while Gyrfalcon start at approximately QR20,000.
Gyr-Shaheen falcons command higher prices, starting about QR50,000, while Wakri falcons (Lanner Falcon) are among the more affordable options, ranging from QR2,500 to QR5,000.
Other varieties available in the market include Sudanese Wakri falcons priced at around QR2,000, British Garmousha falcons at approximately QR4,000, and Spanish Gyr falcons starting at around QR10,000.
However, traders noted that prices can range from around QR2,000 to QR20,000 or more depending on the type and specifications of the bird, with premium falcons reaching considerably higher levels.
Meanwhile, the seasonal increase in falcon purchases is generating demand for hunting equipment and accessories.
Souq Waqif shops are stocking a broad range of products, including gloves, hoods, carrying cases, bird stands, knives, nets, hunting clothing, binoculars and other equipment used during hunting trips.
Prices cover a wide range of budgets.
Gloves start around QR50, with imported Dutch models reaching QR500.
Hoods start about QR30, while Mongolian models are priced around QR100 and customised versions around QR150.
Falcon carrying cases are available from about QR60-70, while bird stands cost around QR60 and hunting mats around QR80.
Nets range from QR15 to QR30, while hunting knives are priced between QR50 and QR200, depending on type and origin.
Specialised optical equipment is also available, with a German-made binocular model starting around QR2,800.
Other accessories include falcon leg leashes priced at QR30-50, with customised versions reaching QR150, as well as specialised nets for catching birds of prey priced from around QR50 to QR100.
Accordingly, traders stressed that buying a falcon is only the beginning of the preparation process, as newly purchased birds generally require training to restore or develop their hunting readiness.
One trader noted that falcons may need around 15 days of training after purchase to become accustomed to their new owners and perform effectively during hunting.
Other sellers noted that trained birds may require a shorter period of conditioning, including lure-bound training, in which the falcon is encouraged to pursue prey such as pigeons and houbara bustards.
Thus, the availability of trained falcons has become an important selling point as buyers seek birds that can quickly return to hunting activity once the season begins.
Further, the local market is benefiting from growing interest among Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) visitors.
Traders said customers from neighbouring countries often purchase falcons during visits to Qatar, while others complete transactions remotely through social media.
Several shops provide shipping services to Gulf countries, allowing customers to purchase falcons without being physically present in Qatar.
Traders expect this channel to remain active throughout the migratory bird season, particularly among enthusiasts who regularly participate in the traditional hunting activity.
With new shipments expected to arrive in September, traders anticipate that market activity will continue strengthening, potentially remaining elevated through January, when the hunting season is in full swing.