Qatar Shooting and Hunting sector in 2023
Sports will continue to be a national priority for Qatar as the country aspires to be a regional, large sporting events hub. Qatar delivered a successful 2022 FIFA World Cup and is setting up for more events such as the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup in June 2023 and the Asian Games in 2030. While Qatar’s intention to position itself as the Middle East sport hub might appear to be a recent development, Qatar has a long sports tradition, particularly with falconry. Falconry is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons, and sometimes, other birds of prey for hunting. UNESCO considers falconry as a living human heritage element in countries such as Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
Falconry, Hunting, and Shooting in Qatar
Hunting and Falconry are at the heart of Qatari culture. The Al Gannas Association is a cultural association for hunters. It was founded in 2008 to promote the heritage of sport of falconry, traditional hunting, and to represent Arab hunters in international contests. Al Gannas is a part of the Katara Cultural Village, an initiative by the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, to guard the heritage and traditions of Qatar. In 2017, Katara organized the first International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition (S’hail) to showcase falcons and hunting weapons and equipment from all over the world. This Exhibition takes place yearly, and it has continuously grown with more and more exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 2022 edition had a large turnout and wide participation from 180 exhibitors, including 20 international companies, specializing in hunting rifles, falconry, outdoor equipment, and hunting accessories. Since hunting and falconry are so intertwined within Qatari culture, local companies and consumers are avid buyers of cutting-edge, novel solutions. The S’hail Falcon Exhibition generates many deals on site and several U.S. suppliers sold out their inventory during the 2022 Exhibition.
Shooting is also a popular activity among Qataris and expatriates residing in Qatar. The Al Ramii Sports Club and Alhadaf are publicly accessible shooting ranges. The Lusail Shooting Club is the training hub for the Qatar National Shooting Team for archery and shooting. Sport shooting is popular across the Gulf region and there is an active regional competitive scene and significant collaboration among shooting federations in Gulf markets. Qatar will host the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shooting World Cup – Shotgun in March 2023.
Qatar beyond the World Cup
Beyond the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar aims to capitalize on the international praise received for delivering a successful event at a global scale. With its brand-new hospitality and transportation infrastructure, the country is eager to continue hosting large events. Also, Qatar is trying to capitalize on this momentum and is actively seeking hosting opportunities for additional large, sport events. Qatar recently announced that there are at least 300 days of programmed event activities for 2023. The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will return to the Lusail International Circuit in October of 2023, and Doha will host The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), GIMS Qatar. Qatar is even hoping to host the 2036 Olympics, which demonstrates the country’s willingness to diversify their economy to other economic opportunities and lines of business.
 
Next Steps for the U.S. Client
As Qatar continues to position itself as a sport-centric hub in the Middle East, American suppliers and service providers in the Shooting and Hunting sector are encouraged to reach out to the U.S. Commercial Service in Qatar. The Commercial Service can evaluate a company’s market potential, explore business matchmaking and market opportunities, and conduct market research.
Participate in Trade Shows and Exhibitions
The 2023 edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falco Exhibition 2023 will take place in September. American manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor equipment, hunting accessories, and shooting equipment and supplies should consider attending this exhibition. It is among the bigger exhibitions in Qatar with guaranteed regional exposure to other markets.
For more information about the shooting and hunting sector in Qatar, please contact Commercial Assistant Juan Catril at Juan.Catril@trade.gov .