DOHA: The 8th International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition 'S’hail', held at Katara, was inaugurated on Tuesday by Chairman of the Organizing Committee and General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation 'Katara' Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti.
The opening ceremony saw the presence of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, who were guided through various sections of the exhibition. These included displays of state-of-the-art hunting weapons, rifles, modern technologies, off-road vehicles, hunting gear, and handcrafted falconry items.
Each edition of the S’hail Exhibition attracts top local, regional, and international entities. This year’s event boasts a rich array of exhibits, thrilling competitions, and opportunities for visual artists, with special deals available on hotels and serviced apartments for enthusiasts of hunting and falconry.
Running until September 14, the exhibition features 171 leading companies from 19 countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, Pakistan, Germany, the UK, China, Spain, France, the US, Portugal, Belgium, Russia, Australia, South Africa, Lithuania, and Poland. New participants from China, Poland, and Australia are making their debut this year.
The first day attracted a significant crowd of hunting and falconry enthusiasts and camping aficionados from around the world. The exhibition serves as a vital economic and cultural platform for showcasing premier falcons.
Daily auctions will highlight Mongolian gyrfalcons and chicks, with the final day dedicated to a broad range of bird auctions.
This year’s S’hail has drawn major global brands and companies presenting the latest technologies, innovations, and luxury handcrafted products in hunting, falconry, and camping. The event enjoys the support of various ministries, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and Ministry of Communications, with special pavilions offering services and facilities for visitors.
The event is also backed by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), Qatar Insurance Group (official insurance sponsor), and Al-Kass TV (media partner).
Dr Al Sulaiti expressed his delight at the exhibition’s opening, saying, "S’hail has become a premier global gathering for falconers and hunting enthusiasts to share experiences. The exhibition continues to evolve, presenting new opportunities in the heritage of hunting and falconry while emphasizing its authenticity and historical significance."
Dr Al Sulaiti noted that S’hail 2024 sustains its success by offering valuable opportunities, spectacular promotions, and the latest innovations in hunting weapons and falconry gear.
He praised national companies for their high-quality, innovative products and highlighted the exhibition’s role in promoting hunting culture and values among contemporary generations. He also appreciated the support of various ministries and official institutions and thanked the sponsors for their commitment to making this global event a success, showcasing Qatari culture and preserving national identity.
The exhibition also features various competitions, such as the Best Burqaa contest, judged by public voting and a panel of experts, with results announced on the final day. Other contests include Best Stand and Best Kiosk, assessing the aesthetics and quality of construction.
Artists are creating paintings inspired by the hunting and falconry environment on-site. Attendees also had the opportunity to attend a scientific lecture by Dr. Marcio Nunes on modern techniques in artificial insemination and semen analysis for falcons and bustards.
Special offers and discounts for hunting and falconry enthusiasts are available at hotels and serviced apartments.