Sheikh Hamdan Visits S’hail 2025, Celebrating Falcons and Heritage

The Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025) in Doha celebrated one of the Gulf’s most cherished traditions—falconry. The event showcased both the cultural heritage and modern innovations linked to hunting and falcon care. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, visited the exhibition.

Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. Their joint presence at the event reflected the shared cultural values between the UAE and Qatar and highlighted falconry as both an art and an industry.

A Global Stage for Falcons and Heritage

S’hail 2025 was hosted at the Katara Cultural Village, a landmark destination in Doha known for celebrating tradition through art, culture, and exhibitions. The event gathered participants from across the Gulf, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Over several days, visitors explored a wide range of exhibits, including:

• Hunting gear crafted with precision.
• Falconry tools blending tradition and modern technology.
• Camping equipment designed for desert adventures.
• Handmade crafts that reflected regional identity.

But S’hail was not only about products. It was a cultural celebration. Storytelling sessions, live demonstrations, and art exhibitions helped visitors connect with the spirit of Gulf traditions. For many, it was an opportunity to see falconry not just as hunting but as living heritage.

Sheikh Hamdan’s Tour of the Exhibition

Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Joaan walked through the halls where the latest falconry technologies were displayed. Companies presented GPS tracking devices, falcon health monitoring systems, and advanced training tools.

These innovations are reshaping the world of falconry. They make training more efficient, ensure better care for the birds, and help preserve the practice in a sustainable way. Sheikh Hamdan expressed admiration for how tradition and innovation come together at S’hail.

Visiting the Bird Market

One of the most popular parts of the exhibition was the Bird Market. Here, falcons bred by leading Qatari and international experts were on display. These birds are admired worldwide for their speed, strength, and beauty.

At the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital pavilion, veterinarians explained how they care for falcons. This hospital is one of the most advanced in the world, offering specialized treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation for falcons. Sheikh Hamdan’s visit to the pavilion showed the importance of animal welfare in keeping falconry alive.

Falconry: A Heritage That Lives On

Falconry is more than a sport in the Gulf. It is a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. Historically, falcons were essential for survival, helping tribes hunt in the desert. Today, they remain a symbol of courage, freedom, and nobility.

By visiting S’hail 2025, Sheikh Hamdan honored this tradition. He emphasized that falconry connects the past with the present. It is a way for young generations to stay rooted in their history while embracing modern opportunities.

S’hail as a Hub for Business and Culture

S’hail has become more than just a cultural exhibition. It is also a platform for trade and investment. Businesses use the event to showcase products, form partnerships, and explore new markets.

The exhibition brings together:

• Breeding farms selling world-class falcons.
• Artisans creating traditional tools and crafts.
• Technology companies offering modern falconry solutions.
• Tourism operators promoting cultural experiences.

For Sheikh Hamdan, the exhibition was a perfect example of how heritage can drive economic growth. Falconry may be ancient, but it has become an industry with international demand.

Why S’hail 2025 Matters

The importance of S’hail extends beyond falconry itself. It reflects wider goals for the region.

Protecting Heritage

Events like S’hail keep Gulf traditions alive. They ensure that children and young people learn about falconry and respect its values. This cultural preservation is vital in a rapidly modernizing world.

Boosting the Economy

Falcon breeding, hunting gear, and cultural crafts are industries that benefit from global exposure. At S’hail, local businesses gain international recognition.

Promoting Animal Welfare

With hospitals and veterinary centers showcasing their work, the exhibition raises awareness about the proper care of falcons. This focus on animal welfare ensures that the practice continues responsibly.

Attracting Tourists

S’hail is a magnet for international visitors. Tourists come not only to see falcons but also to enjoy Qatari hospitality and Gulf traditions. This strengthens Qatar’s role as a cultural destination.

Sheikh Hamdan’s Role in Preserving Heritage

As Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan has long supported cultural initiatives. His visit to S’hail 2025 was more than symbolic. It was a clear message that the UAE values heritage and supports regional collaboration.

By engaging with exhibitors, breeders, and cultural leaders, Sheikh Hamdan showed how leadership can inspire communities to protect traditions while creating modern opportunities. His presence strengthened ties between Qatar and the UAE, underlining that heritage can be a bridge of unity.

The Future of Falconry in the Gulf

S’hail 2025 highlighted how falconry is evolving. New technologies, better healthcare, and international trade are reshaping the practice. But at its core, falconry remains about respect for nature, patience, and skill.

The future of falconry will likely see:

• Greater use of digital tracking and AI tools.
• Expansion of falcon breeding programs.
• Growth in eco-tourism linked to falconry.
• Stronger cultural education programs for youth.

Sheikh Hamdan’s visit reflected confidence in this future. For the Gulf, falconry will remain both a treasured tradition and a source of innovation.

Heritage That Connects Past and Future

Sheikh Hamdan’s visit to S’hail 2025 was more than a formal event. It was a celebration of identity, culture, and opportunity. Falconry is not just about hunting. It is about values—respect for nature, loyalty, and patience.

Through exhibitions like S’hail, the Gulf keeps these values alive. At the same time, it shows the world how heritage can evolve into business, tourism, and innovation. Falcons, once companions of desert hunters, are now symbols of pride and progress.

By supporting such events, leaders like Sheikh Hamdan ensure that the Gulf’s heritage continues to inspire, connect, and create opportunities for the future.