Falconry is an unusual sport you can be part of when in Qatar, with the legends dating back more than 5000 years. The Bedouin tribes were the first to introduce the sport to this landscape, and since then it has been a popular sport with many participants and spectators each year.
Where to Watch
You can observe many falcons at the Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif. The souq is only minutes away from Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, one of the most popular luxury hotels in Doha. Falcons are hunting birds, and they’re used in 4×4 falconry boxing, racing, and shotgun falconry.
Buying a Falcon
You can purchase your own falcon at the souq or through private dealers. They can be very expensive at times, and you cannot take them out of the country without permission. If you wish to train them and participate in falconry, you might have to spend quite a fortune on training, equipment, and maintenance.
Why Falconry is Important
A slowly dying sport in Qatar, falconry still gives a glimpse of ancient Qatar and the traditions passed down from generation to generation. These raptors show competitive behaviour, which makes the sport quite unique and exciting to watch. Don’t forget to pay a visit to a race to witness this sport yourself during your stay in Doha.
