The 8th edition of Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S'hail 2024) continues to draw visitors including tourists to the country to explore its various sections that address hunting and falconry games and their tools and equipment.
The exhibition on Wednesday welcomed a visit from HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, alongside a number of high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and ambassadors.
Among the main participants is the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), which offers a number of e-services related to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit.
These include CITES Application Permit, Permit Pass Document for a falcon, Export or Import Application for wildlife.
Besisdes, MoECC has launched its e-portal for the Wildlife Development Department services, which gives users easy access to process all transactions related to the export and import of wildlifes, in addition to the related services without the need to go to the headquarters of MoECC to issue or handle such documents.
One of the main highlights of the exhibition is the daily auction on a number of falcons.
On the first day the highest price paid for a young wild Mongolian falcon was QR120,000. The highest price for a mature wild Mongolian falcon was QR180,000. Both falcons were sold through an open bidding to the highest bidder.
The exhibition has also become a hot destination for artists and sculptors, in addition to the antique businesses that handle works related to falconry and wild hunting with displays from different world countries. Painters from Qatar paint various scenes and images related to the topic for visitors. Artists and arts dealers see the exhibition as an excellent opportunity to broaden their network and gain more audience and clients.
There are also a number of small businesses from Qatar, the GCC region and other nations displaying their own unique traditional formulas for falcons' drugs and nutrients, in addition to products related to the care and maintenance of falcons.
There are quiet a large number of pavilions that market and sell various innovative products to be used in falcon and hunting training starting from simple tools to the most advanced technical solutions.
Mohamed bin Abdul Latif al-Misnad, vice president of the Supreme Organising Committee, stressed that " S'hail supports the local economy through attracting different local and international businesses, creating new job opportunities and boosting commercial activity in Qatar. It offers a platform for local traders to display their products, enhancing the visibility of Qatari goods and fostering international partnerships."
As part of the activities that encourage children to such traditional games, the second day of the exhibition saw 10 winners at a draw for children aged 10 to 16 years old, offering them a chance to win falcons. To enter the draw, participants need an exhibition ticket and must be present during the draw. The draws are held on the second, third, and fourth days of the event at 8pm.
The exhibition is considered an amazing destination for nature and wildlife lovers, where a number of natural reserves have some unique pavilions with displays of their wild animals and fauna.
In addition, camping and adventure enthusiasts can explore a wide selection of the necessary tools, gear and equipment there, in addition to good number of top off-road vehicles and the related accessories.
