The 14th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi) 2023 commences tomorrow, January 1, and continue till 28th at Sabikhat Marmi – Mesaieed (Sealine). It is one of the biggest events in the region dedicated to falcons and hunting.
The categories for the 14th edition are Visual Acuity: Adult Saker; Pigeon Chasing: Juvenile Peregrine; Al Da’u; Promising Falconer and Young Falconer; Saluki Racing, Hadad Al Tahaddi, and Al Mazzain.
The Al Dau competition measures a falcon’s speed along a 400-metre course from start to the end.
Young falconers between the ages of 11 and 15 are challenged to showcase their abilities at Promising Falconer in Da’u (Lure). The competing falcons, with the exception of gyrkins, must be larger than 15 inches and may be of any falcon species.
Young participants are asked a series of questions about falcons and falconry as part of the Young Falconer Competition, which seeks to identify the most skilled young falconers.
Only purebred Arabian Saluki dogs may compete in Saluki Racing (non-crossbred). The Salukis will race and chase the deer “gazelle” for two kilometres in order to win. The gazelle will be mounted on a special automobile.
Hadad Al Tahaddi is designated for Juvenile Peregrine Falcon. The competition starts by releasing a single Zajil pigeon (Homer pigeon) to fly away, the falcon would be considered a winner if it id able to chase it or surround it in one place.
Al Mazzain, an international competition for the beautiful falcons will be held on the last day of the festival, January 28, at Katara Hall.
Marmi is recognised as one of the fundamental elements of the original Qatari culture as it exhibits a variety of historical and inherited traits and seeks to maintain them for future generations.
Al Gannas is a cultural organisation for hunters that was established in 2008 with the goal of promoting authentic Arabic hunting. It organises events and offers assistance while representing Arab hunters in national and international competitions. The association supports field research and studies and offers the greatest hunting facilities and equipment.
The Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival, or Marmi, is organised by Al Gannas and the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara.
