A joyous mood prevailed on Monday at Katara's Al Hikma Square and Hall where organisers and participants were busy with final arrangements for the grand event.
HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz al-Saud yesterday toured the venue. They reviewed the exhibits of local, Arab and international companies that are specialised in hunting and falconry supplies, hunting and shooting weapons, and camping products and equipment.
Running until September 11, the exhibition will be attended by 160 firms from 18 countries. These include local and foreign growers and firms that sell hunting and falconry equipment. Besides, there is an exclusive area for specialised and modified four-wheel drive SUVs used for safari camping.
The area inside the exhibition hall also features new technology hunting-aiding tools in pavilions. Specialised veterinary falcon hospitals and pavilions providing falconry care are also featured.
“This year’s exhibition is also spread over a large area which exceeds all previous editions and ensures more space and safe distance for all,” a Katara press statement noted.
While the exhibition will be open from 10am to 10pm on all days, on Friday it will receive visitors from 2pm until 11pm. Considered as one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region, the exhibition will be held in accordance with all the Covid-19 precautionary measures as instructed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Organisers have said that entry will be allowed for fully vaccinated individuals aged 12 and above.
Katara has already launched a mobile app for patrons besides ensuring electronic methods for safe shopping and visit experience. The app also shows the collection of the best types of falcons to be chosen for auctions.
S’hail is supported by a number of companies including Ooredoo as the telecom sponsor, Qatar Insurance Company and the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) in addition to Debor and Zoom as logistical support partners.
The most sought after falcon auction each day at S’hail will be via the mobile app. The exhibition will also see more innovative competitions, programmes and cultural events aimed at preserving heritage and promoting the interest of authentic traditions.
The organisers have announced two competitions for the ‘most attractive pavilion’ for being most aesthetic and innovative in terms of design, and the ‘most beautiful falcon hood’ with it's craftsmanship, look and comfort factor. The best pavilion at S’hail will be given a prize of QR20,000 while the best three falcon eye hoods are to be awarded $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Also, visitors to the exhibition will be able to enjoy traditional and hunting cuisine made from fresh catch. Katara has announced the opening of Snan Food Hall on a temporary basis in connection with the event. Organisers said all Katara restaurants will be adhering to precautionary health measures and safety standards measures set by the authorities concerned.
