Where Falconry Heritage Meets the Living Desert
Deep in the sweeping dunes of Sealine, Sabkhat Marmi becomes the beating heart of Qatar’s falconry world every year. The Marmi Festival is not just an event, it is a powerful celebration of Arab and Gulf heritage, where centuries-old traditions are preserved, practiced, and passed on to future generations under modern, world-class standards.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and organized by the Qatar Falconry Association, the festival stands as one of the most important cultural and sporting gatherings in Qatar’s winter calendar.
A Cultural Landmark in the Qatari Desert
Set against the dramatic desert landscape of Sealine, the Marmi Festival brings together falconers, hunters, families, tourists, and heritage enthusiasts from across Qatar and the Gulf. Every season, the festival renews a promise to protect and celebrate falconry as a living tradition, not a relic of the past.
The Supreme Organizing Committee of the Marmi Festival ensures a seamless visitor experience, offering well-maintained facilities, hospitality areas, shaded seating, and easy access for all guests. Comfort, safety, and authenticity are at the core of the festival’s design.
Iconic Grandstand and Live Viewing Experience
One of the festival’s most recognizable features is its iconic main grandstand, the visual centerpiece of Sabkhat Marmi. From here, visitors enjoy unobstructed views of the competitions, enhanced by large live screens that broadcast every moment of action in real time. Whether it’s a high-speed falcon chase or a precision-based challenge, the experience is immersive and engaging.
Marmi Market and Desert Lifestyle Experience
Beyond the competitions, the Marmi Market adds depth and flavor to the festival atmosphere. Visitors can explore:
Traditional Qatari and Gulf cuisine
Local cafés with continuous hospitality
Camping equipment and desert trip essentials
Falconry tools and accessories
This marketplace transforms Sabkhat Marmi into a vibrant desert village, offering an authentic cultural experience alongside thrilling sporting action.
Signature Competitions at the Marmi Festival
The festival features a diverse lineup of competitions that showcase skill, speed, beauty, and tradition:
Al-Mazayen Competition
A prestigious contest selecting the most beautiful falcon, judged on form, feathers, and overall excellence.
Haddad Al-Tahadi
An adrenaline-filled challenge where Shaheen falcons chase carrier pigeons across open desert skies, testing speed and instinct.
Dau Calling Competition
High-speed falcon races over distances reaching 400 meters, measuring response time and control.
Al-Talaa Competition
A test of long-distance vision and hunting instinct, focusing on the falcon’s ability to locate prey such as the Houbara bustard.
Promising Falconer Competition
Dedicated to discovering young talents and preparing the next generation of professional falconers in Qatar.
Saluki Race
A thrilling 2-kilometer race featuring purebred Arabian salukis, highlighting speed, endurance, and desert heritage.
Shotgun Shooting Competitions
Open to the public, these contests aim to identify and encourage emerging shooting talents.
Media Coverage and National Spotlight
The Marmi Festival enjoys extensive local and international media attention, with coverage by Al Kass channels, the Qatar News Agency, and major international outlets. This wide exposure reinforces Qatar’s role as a global hub for heritage sports and cultural preservation.
Visitor Information
Event: Marmi Festival at Sabkhat Marmi
Location: Sabkhat Marmi, Sealine, Qatar
Entry: Free for all visitors
Best for: Families, tourists, heritage lovers, falconry enthusiasts
For updates, schedules, and official announcements, follow:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/algannas_qa/
Why the Marmi Festival Matters
The Sabkhat Marmi Festival is more than a seasonal event. It is a living expression of Qatar’s identity, blending heritage, sport, culture, and community in the heart of the desert. From falcon flights against open skies to the rhythm of tradition carried forward by young falconers, Marmi continues to stand as a proud symbol of Qatar’s past, present, and future.
