Public draw for 16th Al Galayel Championship to be held at Katara

Doha, Qatar: The Al Galayel Traditional Hunting Championship, a cherished heritage sporting event, is set to announce its competing teams for the 16th edition, to be held in 2027, at the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara. Registration for this year's championship has concluded, with 22 teams confirmed to participate in the public draw.

Scheduled for September 16, 2026, at 6pm in Building No. 15 at Katara, the draw will only include teams represented by their leader or an authorized deputy; otherwise, they will be disqualified. Al Galayel, deeply rooted in Qatari and Arab culture, focuses on traditional hunting practices, with teams competing to hunt designated prey such as gazelle, houbara, and karawan.

The championship, under the patronage of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara and the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), aims to preserve traditional falconry and hunting skills, inspire younger generations, and promote healthy competition among Qatari hunting teams. The 15th Al Galayel Championship 2026 saw 16 teams compete at Al Eraiq Reserve, with Team Al Adeed winning the title and QR1m in prize money.

The increase in registered teams for 2027 highlights the event's growing popularity and the ongoing success of initiatives to promote traditional sports. Katara, as part of its mission to celebrate Qatari cultural heritage, supports Al Galayel through related activities and events. Further details on the competition structure and championship dates will be revealed after the public draw.

Organizers emphasize their dedication to transparent procedures and fair competition, ensuring the 16th edition upholds the championship's standards and heritage preservation goals.