Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation will host the first edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition next month.
The festival, which is to be held between September 20 and 24, has already attracted a number of institutions specialising in falconry and hunting, Katara has said in a press statement. This will provide visitors with the “unique opportunity” to closely observe the birds of prey.
The festival reflects Katara’s keenness to preserve and promote Qatar’s rich culture and heritage by providing a world-class platform for enthusiasts and practitioners of falconry and associated activities, the statement notes.
Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti outlined Katara’s role in supporting traditional events and activities, stressing that such endeavours are significant as they encourage cementing the bond between Qataris and their environment and heritage, while at the same time help pass on authentic cultural values and traditions to young Qataris.
Dr al-Sulaiti said: “We expect the first edition of the exhibition to witness a wide range of local and international participants, as this sport is considered to be the passion of many. The fact that it is being held at Katara is a matter of pride for us, as it will enhance the reputation of the Village. By hosting this exhibition, we expect to attract diverse sectors, such as institutions that promote heritage, culture and tourism, and commercial organisations.”
He noted out that necessary co-ordination has been held with a number of competent authorities in Qatar to provide all facilities to traders, falconers and hunting weapons institutions. The authorities in Qatar include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, and the General Authority of Customs.
Katara’s International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition aims to support various cultural, sports and commercial sectors in hunting and falconry. In addition, the exhibition hopes to boost mutually beneficial relationships between amateur and veteran falcon handlers and traders, as well as to explore products and services that attract the youth towards this heritage sport.
The exhibition will also feature activities such as an aerial shooting performance by Qatar Shooting Association and archery by Qatar Olympic Committee. Also, Al-Rami sports club, which is associated with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, will present events such as duck, deer, and rabbit shooting. The Shooting Club will also provide a specialised team to greet the public and introduce them to all shooting aspects throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Further, the international exhibition will offer daily bird auctions, poetic evenings, lectures on safety for falcon handlers, training for children in different aspects of falconry and others. The exhibition will also have a dedicated pavilion that will showcase traditional hand-crafted items considered essential to hunting and falconry.
The exhibition will be held at building 12, Katara Wisdom Square.
