How Qatar is protecting its wildlife and special traditions

Qatar is making big moves to protect its wildlife, from preserving the importance of the falcon and camel, to ensuring the country’s mangroves flourish.

The International Falcon and Hunting Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the region and held during the cooler winter months. Falconers have been competing for thirteen years in this desert sport that dates back centuries. Also known as Marmi, this attraction is organised by the Al Gannas Association: “Since 2008 we have served falconers in Qatar. We have big projects, the most important of which is the falcon genome project. We also have a campaign to release falcons into nature. Falconry in Qatar is a human, intangible heritage,” explains its president, Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi.

The competitions involve speed, skill, and beauty, with sought-after cash prizes and a desert vehicle. One of the main aims of the competition is to keep the tradition alive for youngsters like 10-year-old Thani Mohammed Al Kubaisi, who scooped the almost €5000 first prize in the Young Falconer’s division.

Owners also forge an extra special bond with their falcon, ensuring they’re in good health for competitions. During the rest of the year, they take their cherished creatures to Souq Waqif hospital with its extensive range of services from radiology to preening.

A post shared by Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital (@falconhospital)

Protecting and preserving wildlife from extinction is also one of Qatar’s top goals for a more sustainable future. The country is home to several nature reserves that provide a haven for birdlife, plants, and a wide variety of animal species. One of most influential when it comes to conservation is Dr Saif al-Hajari, a leading environmentalist who is the founder and