A start to the new year 2021, Qatari style, with the 12th edition of the Marmi Festival
Falcons and Falconry is a symbol of dignity, valor, and pride in the Arab world which can be traced back to the pre-Islamic era. It was not just a sport but also a nomad's way to fetch food.
Falconry is a less popular sport in the West but in the Middle East, it is the most treasured sport as it is a part of their culture and something that is passed on to the next generations. Qatari Society of Al Gannas, founded in 2008, is a cultural association for hunters dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Arabic hunting, mainly falconry.
The Qatar International Festival of falcons and hunting, the Marmi Festival, is one of the largest annual festivals of falconry and hunting in Qatar organized by the Al Gannas Society. The 12th edition of the Marmi festival has been announced and will take place under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, with different breeds of falcons competing on different days.
The competitions are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning competitions start at 7:30 am and the afternoon session at 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm. The final will take place on the 29th of January during the afternoon session.
Location: Messaid (Sealine) – Sabkhat Marmi, close to Sealine Beach Roundabout.
Timings: Morning competitions: 7:30 am and the afternoon competitions: 12:45 pm - 4:30 pm
Start date: 1st January 2021
End Date: 29th January 2021
Free admission
Qatari love for this sport knows no boundaries and the prizes for the winners show. The winning falcon can win up to 100,000 Qatari Riyals and its owner can win a brand new Lexus or Nissan Patrol. Check out our video from last year to have a look at what the festival has to offer. Also, click here to view the timetable showing the timings and dates of the competitions.
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Cover Image Credits: Twitter/@algannas_qa
