The Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship 2026 in Qatar officially opened the 17th Marmi International Falcons and Hunting Festival, marking a major moment in the country’s cultural calendar. Held at Marmi Sabkha in the Sealine area, the championship launched the festival under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and will run until 24 January 2026.
As one of the most anticipated falconry competitions in Qatar, the Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship brings together elite and youth falconers from Qatar, the Gulf, and beyond. The event plays a central role in preserving Qatar’s falconry heritage while offering high-stakes competition and international participation.
Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship 2026 Overview
The championship is part of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi), now in its 17th edition.
Key details:
- Location: Marmi Sabkha
- Dates: January 2026 until the 24th
- Organiser: Qatar Al Gannas Association
- Support: Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam)
The festival opened with the Hadd Al Tahaddi competition, one of the most challenging and prestigious events in the Marmi programme.
What Makes the Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship Special
The Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship tests speed, precision, and instinct.
How it works:
- A homing pigeon is released first
- A young peregrine falcon follows
- If the falcon traps or catches the pigeon at a designated location, it wins
Prizes include:
- QAR 100,000 cash prize
- Qualification to the final round
- Chance to compete for a Lexus car
The competition is closely monitored using tracking devices and specialist judges to ensure safety and fairness.
Winners of the First Hadd Al Tahaddi Group
The first group of the championship saw five falconers qualify for the final round:
- Al Shamsi Team (UAE)
- Al Gharbiya Team
- Al Mishghar Team
- Al Nasraniya Team
- Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi (UAE)
Winners were crowned by Marmi Festival Chairman Mutaib Mubarak Al Qahtani and Deputy Chairman Abdulwahab Umair Al Nuaimi at the festival venue.
Why This Festival Matters in Qatar
According to Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Ali, Chairman of Committees and official spokesperson of the Marmi Festival, the 17th edition reflects continuous development in:
- Organisation standards
- Field operations
- Competition regulations
He noted that the festival’s evolution over seventeen editions has elevated competition levels and reinforced its mission to preserve Qatar’s falconry heritage.
Falconry remains a deeply rooted symbol of Qatari identity, representing tradition, companionship, and survival skills passed down through generations.
International and Regional Significance
The Marmi Festival is an open international platform welcoming falconers from:
- Qatar
- GCC countries
- Arab nations
- International participants
It plays a vital role in showcasing Qatari heritage globally, particularly after falconry was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011.
Source – QNA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship?
It is a high-skill falconry competition where young peregrine falcons hunt homing pigeons under controlled and monitored conditions.
Where is the Marmi Festival held in Qatar?
The festival takes place at Marmi Sabkha in the Sealine area of Qatar.
What are the prizes for the Hadd Al Tahaddi Championship?
Winners receive QAR 100,000, qualify for the final round, and compete for a Lexus car.
Is the Marmi Festival open to international participants?
Yes. The festival welcomes falconers from Qatar, the GCC, and other countries worldwide.
