Falcon, the national bird of Qatar, has historical roots all around the middle east. A falcon is profound among us for his speed, accuracy and sharp vision for his hunt. However, falconry is a 5000-year-old traditional game played in Qatar. Alongside falconry, Qatar offers a range of outdoor experiences, including relaxing at some of the most beautiful beaches in Qatar, which showcase the country’s diverse attractions. It’s still as famous in Qatar as it was years ago.

In fact, looking at the people’s provision of interest towards falconry, UNESCO has conceded the falconry as the human heritage and added it to the list of cultural heritage of human list in the middle east. Falcon Souq, the biggest marketplace in Doha for buying falcons in Qatar.

A Falcon standing with his Pride and Harmony
Image Source: Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital

So, if you are building interest in falconry, here we have everything you need to know about falconry in Qatar. So let’s have a deep insight into it.

Falcon – Qatar’s National Bird

Falcon – the fastest bird and animal as well in the world with 300 km/hr speed. A falcon’s eyesight is eight times sharper than the human eye. With this catchy eyesight and quick speed, a falcon never let his prey run away. In fact, it can identify his prey from far away distances and never let him disappear from his vision.

Apart from speed and eyesight, a falcon has shown enduring patience and resilience which is the main reason mothers of Qatar often tell the stories of falcon’s composure and fortitude to their children.

Another fact about falcons you need to know is that they are the deadliest hunters in the world with speciality in deserted hunt. Among the broad variants of falcons, you will find the peregrine falcons and saker falcons, the most expensive ones in Qatar to buy.

History of Falconry

It is narrated that 5000 years ago, falconry was introduced in the Arab world and Middle East. People used falconry as a tool to capture the fresh meat. With sharp eyesight and fast speed, falcons never let him hunt down. Another amazing fact about falconry is that it is also mentioned in the Holy Quran. However, King Persia was the first falconer in the world decades ago. He witnessed a falcon killing his prey and kept it with him for years to study. But what he learned from the falcons are patience and endurance.

History-Of-Falconry

Falconry in Qatar

Qatar is the biggest fan of falconry and falcons that can also be the reason for falcons being the national bird of Qatar. People invest their fortunes in buying and bringing up the falcons. Multiple competitions and battles are organized for falconry in Qatar.

Bringing up and taking extra care of the falcons brought up a healthy and harmonious relationship between the falcon and his trainer. Falcon is not just a bird but the pride and honor of the people of Qatar. That’s why, Qatari people never let their falcons down in any hunting competitions and provide them the best training possible.

Falconry in Qatar

Falcon Souq – Doha

Located close to the Souq Waqif, Falcon Souq is the arcade hub of falconry in Qatar. Visitors looking to explore this fascinating marketplace can benefit from services offered by the cheapest travel agency in Qatar for a seamless experience. This falcon souq is classified to the falconry with a separate entrance and sitting plan for visitors, buyers or sellers. With three huge falcon statues at the entrance of this falcon souq, you can imagine what would you get inside the falcon souq.

In addition, benches are made for people to sit for rest or stay if they want. However, the sandpit areas are designed to keep the falcons there. If you want to visit the Souq Waqif for some shopping, you can leave your falcon in the sand pit area of the falcon souq. While some sellers are also there to sell out their falcons to the visitors or buyers there. For those traveling to Falcon Souq, using public transport can be efficient; check the Doha Metro Timings to plan your visit.

Timing: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Location: Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar

Falconry Facilities in Qatar

If you want to buy falcons in Qatar, falcon souq is full of multiple variants of falcons with varying range of prices. You can easily buy a falcon as well as other accessories a falcon needs from the falcon souq.

People in Qatar love to invest and spend their money on falcons. Communication kits, radio devices and trucks are some of the elite facilities people in Qatar love to provide their falcons with.

However, for medical checkup and care, there is a Falcon Hospital in Qatar too which is only restricted to take care of falcons. This falcon hospital can accommodate more than 10,000 falcons at a time. It administers the treatment of special falcon diseases, routine check up and avian vaccines if needed.

Time: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar

If you’re exploring Doha for leisure, consider visiting nature-inspired destinations like Baladna Park alongside the Falcon Souq.

Prices of Falcons

Well, the prices of falcons in Qatar range from $2,000 to $20,000. It depends on the breed, shape, size, strength and other noticing factors of falcons which helps them to let the prey be hunted. The most famous variants of falcons in Qatar are Peregrine falcon, Skate falcon, Sooty falcon, Amur Falcon, Barbary Falcon, and Lanner Falcons. Each variant has a different price range, apparently.

Falconry Events in Qatar

Meanwhile, some of the most sightful competitions and events organized for falconry in Qatar are mentioned below:

Sum Up the Falconry

Summing up the blog with the fact that falconry is not a game but a symbol of pride and patience for the people of Qatar who love to take care of their falcons as of their family members. In short, falconry is not a competition in Qatar, it’s a shared emotion by the whole community of Qatar.

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People Also Ask

How much do falcons cost in Qatar?
In Qatar, falcons cost ranges from QAR 100,000 to QAR 400,000 depending on the breed, shape, size and variance of the falcon.
What does the falcon represent in Qatar?
Falcon represents peace, harmony, and patience to the people of Qatar. It is the symbol of power and agility.