Sheikh Joaan Crowns Mzayen Championship Winners as Marmi 2026 Concludes

Winners Marmi 2026

During the spectacular ceremony launched at the Katara Cultural Village, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani on Saturday crowned the winners of the Mzayen Championship, marking the epic finale of the 17th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026).

The festival is held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and with the support of the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) from Jan. 1 to 24, 2026.

The grand closing ceremony of the festival and the Championship was attended by a distinguished gathering of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, high-ranking state officials, accredited heads of diplomatic missions, members of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Society of Al Gannas, as well as key falconers from Qatar and the Gulf countries, alongside numerous festival guests.

Sheikh Ahmed Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Thani clinched the tremendous first-place victory, followed by Sheikh Jassim Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Thani in second place, while Saleh Ali Jarallah Al Athba claimed third place.

The grand accolades were QAR 700,000 for the champion, QAR 500,000 for the runner-up, and QAR 300,000 for the third-place winner, with Fahad Matar Al Dosari securing the tremendous first-place prize of QAR 400,000, followed by Mohammed Abdulhadi Rashid Al Dosari in second place with QAR 300,000, and Ali Essa Badr Al Sada in third with QAR 200,000.

In addition, HE Sheikh Joaan crowned the winners of all the festival's final competitions yesterday evening at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine.

Chairman of the Marmi Festival, Mutaib Mubarak Al Qahtani, noted that the Mzayen Championship is one of the most consequential tournaments at this festival, which is held annually, emphasizing that it holds special significance for falconers who always bring the most beautiful, powerful, and rare falcons.

Despite the significance of the falcons' strength and their hunting speed, there are likewise God-given beautiful features and exquisite appearances of these falcons in nature, he pointed out.

Al Qahtani clarified that these features differ from one falcon to another, as no falcon embodies the entire nature of beauty. He recalled that the Mzayen committee had a challenging mission in selecting the participating falcons, as the judging process is based on scientific foundations.

Al Qahtani further indicated that he is glad to see the conclusion of Marmi, which is a significant part of the State of Qatar's efforts to preserve this time-honored falconry heritage at home and abroad through the nation's participation in international fora -something highly cherished, thereby promoting Qatar's standing as a crossroad for falconers to preserve this enduring legacy.

Paying attention to falcons should be coupled with the essential conservation of natural habitats, Al Qahtani underlined, adding that falconry isn't merely a boastful past, but a present that must be genuinely safeguarded for generations to come, to remain a vibrant heritage that pulsates in the hearts of the people of Qatar. 

Deputy Director of the Festival, Abdulwahab bin Omair Al Nuaimi, said this year's festival recorded an incredible evolution at multiple levels, whether in terms of organization or attracting participants, particularly through dedicated rounds that clearly enhance the festival's mission in supporting and sustaining falcons in Qatar.

This year's edition witnessed record global participation, a testament to the special nature of the festival in the region, which receives notable appreciation from falconers everywhere, Al Nuaimi recalled.

He underscored that the organizing committee is committed to providing an integrated experience for spectators, who can closely follow the contests, ultimately strengthening their connection with this sport as part of Qatar's time-honored heritage.

Chairman of the Mzayen Committee at Marmi 2026 Festival, Abdullah bin Hamad Al Mahshadi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that this year's Mzayen competitions were exceptionally strong due to the close and beautiful specifications among the competing falcons.

The judging process follows precisely calculated criteria to highlight extraordinary beauty and strength. The head and hood account for 15%, reflecting proportion, thickness, and harmony, Al Mahshadi highlighted, adding that the falcons' nostrils and eyes enhance their majestic presence with clarity and expression, with the neck contributing 15% and the back reflecting symmetry, feather quality, and color.

Wings are evaluated for flow and elegance, with color alone representing 40% of the score.

Winners of the championship praised the festival's tremendous evolution and continuous efforts to support falconry, preserving this time-honored heritage.

They highlighted to QNA the festival's role in fostering a passion for falconry among new generations and emphasized the rigorous preparation and selection process that ensures peak readiness for competition.

Years of dedication and careful training have contributed to outstanding performance and remarkable results. The festival provides a prestigious platform for participants to showcase their elite falcons, they noted.

Competitors underscored the significant value of participation for themselves and their families, praising the festival's meticulous organization and its unwavering support for falconers.

The championship emphasizes beauty, symmetry, and excellence, requiring deep knowledge and precision. Early preparation and strategic selection of falcons were key to achieving tremendous results, they added.

Participants invest great effort to present falcons that reflect the high standards of the event. The tournament reinforces pride in heritage while promoting exceptional falconry skills.

Ultimately, the festival celebrates extraordinary dedication, elite craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of this epic tradition.

(QNA)