Doha: The Qatari Society of Al Gannas (QSA) has announced the opening of registration for the championships of the 17th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026), scheduled to take place from Dec. 21 to 23, 2025, at the QSA's premises at Katara Cultural Village.
According to Qatar News Agency, Director of Championships at QSA and President of the Marmi Festival, Metab Al Qahtani, stated that registration for the Promising Falconer Championship will be conducted at the festival venue in Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine. He mentioned that the date for the participation of promising falconers will be determined after finalizing the total number of registrants across all festival competitions and conducting the draw for contestants in all championships.
Al Qahtani emphasized that the organizing committee is committed to ensuring the participation of the largest possible number of young falconers and has offered them valuable prizes, reflecting the committee's dedication to empowering young people and broadening engagement. The Festival is recognized as one of the most significant QSA-organized events since UNESCO's decision in November 2010 to inscribe falconry on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This initiative is part of efforts to inculcate and safeguard the cultural and emotional values of this inherited sport, passed down from fathers and forebears, highlighting its importance in Arabic literature and Arab folk heritage, particularly within the Gulf and Qatari context. The festival is held annually under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, featuring numerous tournaments and contests, including Al Tal'a, Al Da'wa, Haddad Challenge, the Saluki Haddad Championship, and the Promising Falconer Championship.
The Organizing Committee of the Festival had previously opened early registration for the Haddad Challenge Championship at the QSA's premises from Nov. 17 to 19.