Doha: The 9th edition of the S’hail – Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition concluded in Doha in mid-September 2025, drawing record interest from enthusiasts, exhibitors and dignitaries from across the globe. Hosted at the Katara Cultural Village from September 10 to 14, the event has firmly established itself as one of the leading international platforms celebrating falconry, hunting culture, and outdoor traditions.
Global Participation and Expanded Scale
This year’s exhibition saw impressive international participation, with more than 202 local, regional and international companies representing 21 countries showcasing their products, services and innovations in hunting, falconry, camping and outdoor gear. Organizers reported a significant expansion of the exhibition grounds, making this edition the largest yet, responding to rising global demand from both exhibitors and visitors.
Exhibitors included manufacturers and suppliers of hunting weapons and rifles, falconry equipment, safari kits, advanced camping gear, 4×4 off-road vehicles and specialised outdoor equipment. Top global brands were joined by regional and local companies, reflecting the event’s growing stature as a business-to-business and business-to-consumer hub.
Cultural Heritage Meets Innovation
True to its heritage roots, the S’hail Exhibition blended traditional falconry culture with modern technologies and innovations. The showcase featured live falcon auctions, beauty contests for prized birds of prey, and hands-on demonstrations of hunting and camping equipment — providing both education and entertainment for all ages.
Organizers also highlighted the heritage zone, which focused on falconry traditions deeply rooted in Qatari and Arab culture, alongside interactive workshops and family-friendly activities. Visitors were able to follow falcon hood design contests, call-making demonstrations, and bird-care sessions facilitated by participating veterinary clinics.
A key highlight of the event was the electronic falcon auction, featuring some of the rarest and most coveted species. This year’s auction introduced a new bidding process designed to enhance transparency and competitiveness, a move that drew significant attention from both local and international falconry communities.
Leadership and International Engagement
The exhibition’s opening ceremony was led by Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee. In his remarks, he emphasized S’hail’s role in creating a global platform for cultural exchange, commercial collaboration and outdoor-lifestyle innovation.
International recognition of the event was further underscored by visits from global delegates, including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, who toured exhibits and engaged with participating companies.
Record Attendance and Legacy
According to the Qatar News Agency, the 2025 exhibition achieved the highest public attendance in its history, signaling the event’s expanding appeal beyond traditional hunting and falconry audiences. A closing ceremony honored the exhibition’s organizers, sponsors and contributors, reflecting the event’s importance to Qatar’s cultural calendar and international tourism sector.
With its blend of cultural heritage, commercial opportunity and outdoor lifestyle celebration, S’hail 2025 reinforced its position not just as a regional highlight but as a global benchmark for falconry and hunting exhibitions.
