Doha, Qatar: The organising committee of the Al Galayel Traditional Hunting Championship has announced that the public draw to select competing teams for the 16th edition in 2027 will take place at the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara.
According to an official statement, registration for the upcoming edition has closed, with 22 teams approved to enter the public draw. The draw is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6pm in Building No. 15 at Katara.
The committee stressed that the presence of each team’s leader or an authorised deputy is mandatory. Any team failing to send a representative will be excluded from the draw.
Al Galayel is one of Qatar’s most prominent heritage sporting events, dedicated to traditional hunting practices deeply rooted in Qatari and Arab culture. Teams compete to hunt the largest number of designated prey, typically gazelle, houbara and karawan, released within a controlled reserve area, with points awarded according to the type of quarry.
The championship is held under the patronage of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara and receives support from the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam). It aims to preserve traditional falconry and hunting skills, encourage younger generations to engage with this living heritage, and foster healthy competition among Qatari hunting teams.
In the most recent edition, the 15th Al Galayel Championship 2026, 16 teams competed at Al Eraiq Reserve in the southwest of the country. Team Al Adeed claimed the title and the championship banner after strong performances across the group stages and finals. Cash prizes for the top three positions totalled more than QR2.2m, with the winners receiving QR1m.
The increase to 22 registered teams for the 2027 edition reflects growing interest in the event and the continued success of efforts to promote traditional sports. Organisers have consistently highlighted the championship’s role in safeguarding national identity and providing a platform for experienced hunters and younger participants alike.
Katara has long supported Al Galayel as part of its broader mission to celebrate and promote Qatari cultural heritage. The foundation regularly hosts related activities, exhibitions and events that connect traditional practices with contemporary audiences.
Further details regarding the structure of the competition, group allocations following the draw, and the exact dates of the 2027 championship will be announced after the public ceremony. Team leaders and interested members of the public are invited to attend the draw at Katara on September 16.
The organising committee reaffirmed its commitment to transparent procedures and fair competition, ensuring that the 16th edition builds on the success of previous years while maintaining the highest standards of organisation and heritage preservation.
