The 8th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2024) concluded Saturday evening, drawing the largest crowd in its history.
The five-day event, packed with activities, has strengthened its position as a global pioneer platform for the hunting and falconry sectors.
The final day, in particular, saw visits from prominent dignitaries, including high-ranking officials and ambassadors.
Among the distinguished attendees were Central Municipal Council Chairman HE Mohamed bin Ali al-Athba and Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Hamad al-Sabah, besides a number of ambassadors and diplomatic envoys in the country.
In a ceremony marking the event's conclusion, members of the organising committee and sponsors of S’hail 2024 were honoured for their contributions.
This year the exhibition saw participation from 19 countries: Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Pakistan, Germany, the UK, China, Spain, France, the US, Portugal, Belgium, Russia, Australia, South Africa, Lithuania, and Poland.
A total of 171 companies, both regional and international, took part, many of which were newcomers from China, Poland, and Australia.
They showcased the latest in hunting equipment, falconry gear, and outdoor expedition supplies.
Several Qatar ministries and institutions were among the active participants, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Communications.
Major sponsors of the event included the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), the Qatar Insurance Group, and Al Kass Sports Channels.
Katara public relations and communications director Salem Mabkhut al-Marri expressed pride in the event’s success.
“S’hail 2024 attracted an exceptional turnout of visitors and participants, reflecting the immense local and international interest,” he said. “This success further cements S’hail’s position as one of the most important exhibitions in the field."
Al-Marri also highlighted the extensive media coverage and the role social media influencers played in promoting the event.
"Their contributions significantly boosted attendance and engagement," he added.
The event introduced several competitions, including a daily raffle for falcons aimed at encouraging younger participants aged 10-16 to engage with the tradition of falconry.
In addition, the "Best Falcon Hood" competition saw a craftsman from the UAE win first place and $3,000.
Second and third places were awarded to companies from Qatar and Kuwait, respectively.
Other notable competitions included "Best Booth Design", where Peninsula Sculptors won QR15,000, and "Best Garage Exhibit", where Desert Engine won QR15,000.
These competitions were judged based on public votes and expert evaluations.
To enhance the visitor experience, the organising committee provided a wide range of services, including a well-designed layout for easy navigation, porter services, and multiple ATMs.
Various restaurants and cafeterias were available throughout the event, offering visitors a range of food options.
As S’hail continues to grow in scale and prestige, it remains a key destination for hunting and falconry enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
