Falconry is a time-honored heritage, S'hail brings it to the public: Al Gannas Society Chief

Doha, Qatar has made significant contributions to preserving the heritage of falconry, both within the country and on the global stage. In 2010, Qatar played a crucial role in UNESCO's decision to include falconry on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, joining 11 other nations in this collaborative effort.

The State of Qatar's dedication to this tradition is evident in the Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition (S'hael 2026), which marks a decade of showcasing this heritage and brings together 158 exhibitors from 15 nations. The exhibition, themed "A Decade of Passion and Heritage," offers products and solutions for hunting, camping equipment, hunting weapons, and vehicle outfitting for challenging terrains.

Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Society of Al Gannas, explained that the society is participating in S'hael 2026 due to its cultural significance as an entity specializing in hunting sports and falconry affairs. The exhibition, not only a market for gear and products, serves as an opportunity for younger generations to learn about a vital aspect of their heritage.

Al Mahshadi highlighted that the society is prioritizing these traditions by engaging young people in tournaments, contests, and visits to schools to introduce the heritage to younger generations. The Katara-based society has welcomed school delegations and established the Qatari Falconry Archive to document the history of hunting, falconry, and veteran falconers in Qatar. The archive houses various materials, including books, manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, and an ongoing project on falcon genomics.

In 2021, the society's Qatar Falcon Genome Project analyzed the genetic maps of main falcon species, developing a highly accurate genetic test. This scientific achievement has positioned Qatar as a leader in the conservation and preservation of falconry, an integral part of the world's human heritage. The society has also organized an international conference on falcon veterinary medicine, offered veterinary and falcon-care training courses in Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, and supported falcon migration monitoring efforts.