Post by : Rameen Ariff

Sports and traditions connect people. In the Arabian Gulf, falconry and hunting are not just hobbies, but a part of history. These traditions show courage, patience, and a deep love for nature. This year, one of the most important events to celebrate these traditions is happening in Doha, Qatar. It is called the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition 2025, also known as S’hail 2025.

The event runs every year and gathers people who love hunting, falconry, and camping. It also brings together modern technology, culture, and history under one roof.

A Special Visit by Sheikh Hamdan

This year, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, made a special visit to the exhibition. His visit was important and showed the strong friendship between the UAE and Qatar. He was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, who guided him through the event.

During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan toured many sections of the exhibition. He saw modern hunting equipment, falconry gear, and camping products. He was interested in how companies mixed old traditions with new technology.

Exploring the Exhibition

At S’hail 2025, Sheikh Hamdan visited different parts of the exhibition where many things were on display:

• Modern Hunting Tools: These included safe and advanced equipment that helps hunters.

• Falconry Gear: Handcrafted gloves, special perches, and GPS trackers for falcons were shown. These tools help falconers take good care of their birds.

• Camping Products: High-quality tents, cooking equipment, and outdoor gear reminded visitors of the old desert camping ways.

Sheikh Hamdan was impressed by the work of both Qatari and international companies. Many of these businesses are leaders in the falconry and hunting industries.

Celebrating Heritage and Culture

Falconry is more than just hunting. It is a proud tradition in the Gulf region, passed from one generation to another. At the exhibition, cultural activities showed this deep connection to history. There were storytelling sessions, workshops on training falcons, and displays of traditional handicrafts.

One important part of the exhibition was the Bird Market, where the finest falcons bred in Qatar were shown. Sheikh Hamdan visited this section and learned about the special care given to these birds. He also visited the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, where falcons get check-ups, treatments, and surgeries.

Sheikh Hamdan’s Praise for the Event

Sheikh Hamdan praised the S’hail 2025 exhibition for keeping the Gulf’s cultural heritage alive. He said the event not only shows the love for traditions but also creates business opportunities. He explained that it helps industries connected to falconry, hunting, and camping grow. This brings investment and jobs to the region.

Why S’hail Is Important

S’hail has become one of the most important international events for falconry and hunting. It does more than just show animals and tools. It:

• Preserves Traditions: It helps keep falconry and hunting alive for future generations.

• Promotes Innovation: It shows how new technology helps traditional practices.

• Builds Cultural Pride: It reminds people of their history and identity.

• Supports the Economy: It creates chances for trade, investment, and growth.

UAE and Qatar: Shared Traditions

Sheikh Hamdan’s visit also showed the shared culture between the UAE and Qatar. Falconry is a tradition both countries value deeply. Long ago, people in the desert used falcons to survive and hunt food. Today, it is a noble sport that shows respect for nature.

By visiting S’hail 2025, Sheikh Hamdan supported this great event and celebrated the strong bond between the two nations. His visit was not just a tour—it was a message that traditions and innovation can work together for a bright future.

The S’hail 2025 Exhibition is more than just a show of falcons, hunting tools, or camping gear. It is a celebration of history, culture, and progress. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visit reflected the importance of keeping Gulf traditions alive while embracing modern ideas.

This event reminds everyone that traditions like falconry are valuable treasures. They connect the past with the future, help build national pride, and create new opportunities for growth. With strong support from leaders and communities, the exhibition is a proud symbol of unity, culture, and innovation in the Arabian Gulf.