{
  "id": 4255640,
  "title": "Migratory bird hunting season boosts falcon sales at Souq Waqif",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/migratory-bird-hunting-season-boosts-falcon-sales-at-souq-waqif",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/732162/qatar/migratory-bird-hunting-season-boosts-falcon-sales-at-souq-waqif"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The falcon trade in Souq Waqif has experienced a significant surge since the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced the opening of the migratory bird hunting season from early September to mid-February. This seasonal increase has led to a 60% rise in falcon sales, driven by Qataris preparing for the hunting season and visitors from other Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Sales are conducted both in shops and through social media platforms, with sellers arranging delivery to buyers in their home countries. Prices vary depending on the falcon's type, origin, and characteristics, with Shaheen falcons starting at QR30,000 and Gyr-Shaheen falcons commanding prices around QR50,000. Other types, such as Wakri falcons, are more affordable, ranging from QR2,500 to QR5,000. The increased demand for falcons has also boosted the purchase of hunting equipment and accessories, with prices ranging from QR30 for hoods to QR2,800 for binoculars. As the season progresses, traders anticipate further shipments of falcons from countries like Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and expect the market activity to remain elevated through January, when the hunting season is most active.",
  "summary": "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 announcemen...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}