Sheikh Joaan Celebrates Champions at Qatar Falcons Festival Marmi 2026

In a vibrant ceremony held at the Sabkhat Marmi venue in Sealine, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani crowned the winners of the 17th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival, known as Marmi 2026, on March 10, 2026. The event concluded the field competitions, including the final round of the Haded Al-Tahaddi Championship, which featured 27 top falconers from across the region.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Joaan, who serves as the festival’s patron, recognized the contributions of Yousuf Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Shared Services Department at the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam). He then proceeded to award the champions of various competitions, most notably the Haded Al-Tahaddi final. Winners Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi from the UAE and Nasser Saeed Al Marri from Qatar each received a luxury Lexus vehicle as part of their prize.

Field Championships Celebrate Falconry Excellence

The Haded Al-Tahaddi Championship also awarded Mohammed Jarrallah Al Nabet of Qatar and Team Al Shamsi from the UAE, each receiving QAR 100,000 in addition to their initial earnings from the preliminary rounds. In the Tal’a Championship, Ali Hassan Al Saei secured first place, earning a cash prize of QAR 300,000, while second and third places were not awarded due to unsuccessful hunts.

Winners of the Local Da’w Championship were also celebrated across seven categories. Notable achievements included Khalifa Mohammed Al Henzab winning the “Free Farakh” category, with Team Laffan and Sultan Hamad Al Humaidi following in second and third places, respectively. In the “Qarnass Jir” category, Hamad Abdullah Al Arjani took first place, while Team Al Sheehaniya and Team Al Zam finished second and third.

Each first-place winner in the Local Da’w rounds received QAR 200,000, second-place winners took home QAR 100,000, and third-place winners received QAR 50,000.

International Competition Highlights and Cultural Heritage

The International Da’w Championship showcased exceptional talent, with Suhail Saeed Al Kindi winning the ‘Free’ category. His performance was complemented by victories in the Jir Shaheen and Jir Taba’ categories. In the Qarnass Shaheen category, Humaid bin Mohammed Al Mansouri claimed first place. Winners in this championship received QAR 100,000 for first place, QAR 70,000 for second, and QAR 50,000 for third.

The Elite Da’w Round crowned Team Al Zam as the first-place winner, while Abdullah Saeed Al Marri and Team Al Sheehaniya finished second and third, receiving substantial cash prizes for their achievements. In the Promising Falconer Championship, winners in specific categories were also recognized, with cash prizes awarded to the top five competitors.

The festival not only showcased competitive spirit but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of falconry in Qatar. Muteb bin Mubarak Al Qahtani, Chairman of the Festival, emphasized the unwavering support from Sheikh Joaan in promoting this traditional sport. He noted that this year’s festival built on previous successes, with a notable increase in professionalism among participants.

As the Marmi Festival approaches its conclusion with the highly anticipated Mazayin Championship, participants are eager to display their falcons, which are celebrated for their aesthetic qualities. This final competition is expected to attract wide participation from falconers both within and outside Qatar, further reinforcing the festival’s status as a premier cultural event.

Festival officials and participants alike praised the meticulous preparation involved in the Mazayin Championship, highlighting the dedication required to present falcons with exceptional characteristics. Participants like Saad Issa Al Kaabi and Saleh Ali Al Adhba shared insights into the intensive care and preparation necessary for competing, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the falcon’s natural beauty.

The Marmi Festival concludes today with the Mazayin Championship at the Katara Cultural Village, where falconers from various backgrounds will compete, underscoring the festival’s significance in preserving and promoting the art of falconry.