The 16th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2025) wrapped up on Saturday with a ceremony honoring the winners of the Al Mazayn falconry championship at Katara Cultural Village.

Attended by Sheikhs, senior officials, diplomats, and falconers from Qatar and the Gulf, the event culminated with HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani awarding prizes to the top competitors. The championship had two categories, with Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Thani taking first and third place in the first category, while his brother Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Thani secured second. The top prize in this category was QR 700,000, with QR 500,000 for second and QR 300,000 for third.

In the second category, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Thani claimed first place, winning QR 400,000, while Khalifa Abdulrahman Al Mehshadi Al Madadi took second with QR 300,000, and Hamad Ali Al Mehshadi won third with QR 200,000.

Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti praised the festival for promoting Qatari heritage, both locally and internationally. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association, highlighted the significance of falconry as part of Qatar’s identity and encouraged youth to embrace the sport.

The championship was fiercely competitive, with the jury conducting multiple rounds to determine winners due to the narrow differences between falcons. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Mehshadi, Chairman of the Al Mazayn Committee, emphasized the transparent judging process and strict standards against any tampering with the birds.

Malika Mohammad Al Sharim, Marketing Director at Katara, attributed Marmi’s success to 16 years of dedicated efforts by the organizing committee and extensive media coverage, which has expanded the event’s reach far beyond Qatar.