The 10th Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition — “S’hail 2026” opened yesterday at the Katara Cultural Village, bringing together 15 countries and 158 entities and companies in a major showcase of falconry, hunting, outdoor pursuits and related industries.
Running until September 12, the milestone edition reflects the exhibition’s evolution over the past decade from a specialised event into an international platform where heritage, commerce, tourism, innovation and craftsmanship converge.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Katara general manager and Organising Committee chairman, Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, in the presence of dignitaries, ambassadors, diplomats, officials and large numbers of enthusiasts. He toured the pavilions and sections, viewing products, equipment and technologies and meeting exhibitors.
The 10th edition marks not only a decade of the exhibition but also the beginning of a new phase of expansion and ambition. S’hail has become an annual gathering for falconers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, while attracting manufacturers, craftsmen, specialists and companies from Qatar, the region and beyond.
The participating countries are Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Poland, France, Turkiye, Lebanon, the UK, Pakistan, South Africa, Portugal, Lithuania, Spain and Russia.
Prof Dr al-Sulaiti said the exhibition’s 10-year journey demonstrates Katara’s success in transforming cultural heritage into a living experience with international appeal.
“After 10 years, we are proud that S’hail has become Qatari in identity and global in presence,” he said, describing it as a platform that preserves Qatari falconry and hunting heritage while presenting it through modern organisation and technology.
He said the exhibition also creates opportunities for companies, markets and tourism, adding that heritage should be “present in the future, not merely preserved in memory”.
“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,” Prof Dr al-Sulaiti said.
S’hail 2026 is supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), which has partnered with the exhibition for nine consecutive years since its second edition.
Daam executive director Abdulrahman bin Abdul Latif al-Mannai said S’hail had established itself as one of the region’s leading specialised exhibitions, evolving from a local event into an international platform attracting exhibitors and enthusiasts from around the world.
He said Daam’s longstanding partnership with Katara had contributed to the exhibition’s sustainability and development, while helping strengthen the presence and value of Qatari heritage and ensure its continuity for future generations.
S’hail 2026 features five main sections covering hunting weapons, falcon sales, hunting equipment, off-road vehicle outfitting, and restaurants and cafés. The exhibition also includes companies specialising in safari and outdoor equipment, veterinary clinics, nature reserves, animal breeding farms, handicrafts and industries associated with falconry and hunting.
Among the prominent displays are falcons, hunting equipment, desert-trip supplies, four-wheel-drive accessories and caravans, giving visitors an overview of both traditional practices and modern outdoor lifestyles.
The hunting weapons section features international brands and a range of firearms, ammunition and accessories presented in accordance with applicable regulations. Exhibitors from Kuwait, Lebanon and other participating countries are showcasing hunting products and equipment, including shotguns, rifles and air rifles from various international manufacturers.
The exhibition also goes beyond commercial displays, with a programme featuring a falcon auction and competitions for the best burqa (falcon hood), best participating pavilion, best garage and best verses about falcons.
Artists are also creating works inspired by the desert and hunting environment in front of visitors, adding a cultural and artistic dimension to the event.
New visitor services
The 10th edition introduces new facilities in co-operation with relevant authorities, including services related to procedures for obtaining licences to purchase hunting weapons, replacing old weapons and obtaining ammunition, in line with applicable laws and regulations.
The organisers said the initiative aims to make services more accessible and organised while strengthening co-ordination between S’hail and institutions involved in the hunting and falconry sector.
With its expanding international participation and combination of heritage, specialised commerce and contemporary outdoor culture, S’hail 2026 is positioning itself as a key annual meeting point for the global falconry and hunting community.