Doha: The 10th edition of the Katara International Hunting & Falcons Exhibition – known as S’hail 2026 officially opened this week at the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), drawing falconers, hunters, artists, heritage enthusiasts and leading international companies to one of the region’s foremost gatherings dedicated to falconry and hunting culture.
Running through September 12, this year’s edition marks ten years since S’hail first opened its doors. Over the past decade, the exhibition has grown from a local heritage showcase into a major international platform where tradition meets innovation and commerce intersects with culture, introducing the practices of the past to new generations of enthusiasts.
A Landmark, Diverse Edition
This year’s S’hail is its most diverse to date, bringing together roughly 158 entities and companies from 15 countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Poland, France, Türkiye, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, South Africa, Portugal, Lithuania, Spain and Russia.
Exhibits are organized across five main sections covering hunting equipment, falconry supplies, outdoor and camping gear, tracking technology and off-road vehicles, and traditional handicrafts, offering visitors a full picture of how a centuries-old Bedouin tradition has evolved into a specialized international industry while retaining its cultural roots.
Heritage Meets the Future
“The ambition behind S’hail is for heritage to remain a living, forward-looking part of Qatari life rather than something confined to memory, describing the exhibition as proof that heritage can be shaped into a lasting cultural, economic and tourism asset.”
Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaity, Director-General of Katara and Chairman of the Organising Committee.
The 2026 program places special emphasis on engaging younger audiences, with an expanded schedule of seminars and activities addressing environmental issues and the future of hunting traditions, alongside technology- and digital-focused initiatives aimed at children and young people.
Supporting Partners
S’hail 2026 is supported and sponsored by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), along with several national institutions and companies. Daam and Katara recently signed a funding agreement to support the organisation of this milestone edition, reinforcing the exhibition’s position as one of the region’s leading cultural and heritage events.
What Visitors Can Expect
Beyond the exhibitor pavilions, S’hail 2026 features a full calendar of accompanying events, including a falcon auction and competitions for best falcon hood, most beautiful participating pavilion, best garage, and best verses written about the falcon. Early days of the exhibition have already drawn strong public interest, particularly in the pavilions showcasing birds, falconry equipment, hunting gear, desert trips and camping supplies.
The exhibition continues through September 12, 2026 at Katara Cultural Village, Doha.
Photos: Katara
