S'hail 2026 Caps Successful 10th Edition With More Than 80,000 Visitors

Doha, Qatar : The Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition (S'hail 2026) brought down the curtain on its 10th edition on Saturday evening, capping a milestone year for the event.

Decade of Growth Reflected in Record Turnout

The exhibition drew more than 80,000 visitors and featured broad international participation, marking a decade of significant growth that has established it as one of the leading specialized gatherings for falconry, hunting, and heritage — a platform bringing together authenticity, innovation, economy, and tourism.

Awards Presented at Closing Ceremony

General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) and Chairman of the S'hail Exhibition's Supreme Organizing Committee Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti recognized committee members, competition winners, sponsors, and supporting entities during the closing ceremony. DTS, owner of Pavilion A16, won the Best Participating Pavilion award, valued at QAR 15,000, while Desert Engine took home the Best Garage award, also worth QAR 15,000.

In the Best Falcon Hood competition, Hood No. 7 from Al-Hur shop placed first, followed by Hood No. 10 from Rahi Al Nawader shop in second and Hood No. 13 from Al-Shuail shop in third.

High-Level Visits Underscore Exhibition's Stature

The 10th edition welcomed a number of high-level official visits, reflecting the growing stature S'hail has achieved and its role in supporting Qatari heritage both domestically and internationally.

Falcon Auction Headlines Closing Day

The closing day featured a packed programme, headlined by the conclusion of the S'hail Falcon Auction, which drew strong interest from falconers and enthusiasts at home and abroad, with spirited competition over a collection of prized and rare falcons. The strong bidding reaffirmed the auction's standing as one of the exhibition's marquee events.

Organizers Hail Strong Public Turnout

Vice Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee Mohammed bin Abdul Latif Al Misnad told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the 10th edition achieved considerable success, with strong turnout maintained from opening day through the exhibition's final hours. He noted that the exhibition marked the launch of a new falconry and hunting season, offering enthusiasts a wide range of products, from birds and falcons to hunting equipment, vehicle outfitting, and trek supplies.

Al Misnad described the bird auction as the exhibition's crown jewel, giving falconers the opportunity to acquire some of the finest birds and partridges from around the world in one place. He said the strong turnout throughout the event confirmed that this year's goals had been fully met, adding that planning for the next edition is already underway.

Five Days of Strong Results, Director Says

Director of S'hail Abdulaziz Al Buhaishim said the event concluded after five days with strong results that further cemented its standing on the international specialized exhibition circuit. He noted that visitor numbers exceeded 80,000, alongside robust commercial activity across the exhibition's pavilions and the Falcon Auction, the centerpiece of the event.

Al Buhaishim said S'hail continues to strengthen its identity as an exhibition serving hunting, desert hunting, falconry, vehicle outfitting, and camping enthusiasts, emphasizing that the goal has evolved beyond a commercial exhibition into a specialized forum bringing together enthusiasts and stakeholders from around the world.

Strong Media Coverage Boosts Exhibition's Profile

Member and Secretary of the Supreme Organizing Committee Malika Mohammed Al Shraim said the 10th edition received extensive media coverage throughout its run, helping strengthen S'hail's position on the international exhibition circuit. She praised the role of domestic, Arab, and international media, along with digital and social media platforms, in raising awareness of the event's various segments and projecting S'hail as more than a conventional exhibition.

Expanded Scope Reflects Growing Ambitions

Overall, the 10th edition demonstrated the exhibition's expanded scope, with participation extending beyond traditional hunting and falconry products to include sustainable hunting experiences, logistics services, and the protection of archaeological sites. Over the past decade, S'hail has grown into one of the world's leading specialized gatherings for falconry, hunting, and heritage.

Source: QNA