By Isabel Ovalle
The tradition of falconry in Qatar goes back to ancient times, with deep roots in the local identity. Al Gannas Society, an association for hunters, was founded in 2008 to organise everything that has to do with the activity.
Dedicated to promoting traditional Arabic hunting, it represents Arab hunters in international and regional contests, by organising events and providing support. The association features the best facilities and equipment required for hunting, and encourages research and studies in the field.
“Falconry began in ancient times, before Islam, as a traditional sport rooted in the Arab identity which has continued,” said Mohamed bin Abdulatif Al Misned, Vice President of the association. The objective of Al Gannas Falconry Society is to buildup falconry spirit, maintain the dedication to preserve the practice, and support falconry lovers.
The society also looks after falconry performance and correct behaviour towards the caring of the falcon, planned hunting, and falconry competitions, like the Annual Qatar Falconry Festival.
The Qatar International Festival of Falcons and hunting is one of the largest festivals specialised in falcons and hunting in the region. The two previous events were marked by unlimited support, strong competition and a mass audience, with the participation of a wide range of falconers from the Gulf region. The festival is organised yearly under the patronage of H E Sheikh Joan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani since 2010.
Regarding the number of members and requirements to join, Al Misned explained that “it’s under process, we did not take action yet and we are completing the conditions and some laws. There are good numbers, but the number is not known exactly,” he clarified.
“The sport of falconry is inherited from parents and grandparents and rooted in Qatari society. This is the vision of Qatari Society of Al Gannas, the sport is transferred from parents to children,” explained the vice president of the society.
In this context, Al Gannas works to maintain this tradition through competitions and events, including championship like Almazab, which helps boys learn about the sport and how to deal with wildlife and environmental conservation.
Almazap is the channel to reinforce this heritage in the minds of the young generations of the country. This annual event aims to strengthen the hearts and spiritual values, education and culture of the youth. Participants learn to respect the customs and traditions of Arabian horses and come out equipped with skills in dealing with the requirements of folklore using hawks and riding horses and camels.
A falcon lives up to 26 years thanks to the advances in veterinary care. Currently the use of electronic devices, including a tracking device for falcons, which is located on the back of the bird, is widely used. The devices will give the location of the animal by satellite.
“The development of science in the field of veterinary treatments and medicines is also helping to preserve the lives and safety of the falcons,” said Al Misned, while adding that Qatar leads the way in this field, with many veterinary centers in the country, like the Souq Waqif Hospital and Dr Faris Al Tamimi clinic in the Al Gannas building.
Nowadays, the molting season has just begun. This is the period when the falcon needs to finish its molting. The falcon has to be in captivity during this period, in a facility as similar as possible to life in the wild, with respect to the environment and food.
Algannas Qatar Society also organises the Qatar International Saluki Race to guide young people to preserve the Arabic heritage of all hunting identity and protect Arabian Salukis, by making them aware of the types and methods of open desert hunting and safeguarding the environment and developing the traditional skills of desert hunting.
