By Mukesh Sharma
Doha, September 12 (IANS): A Mongolian falcon used for hunting was sold for 911,000 Qatari riyals (about 1.95 million rupees) in Doha.
The bird of prey is an integral part of the culture in the Gulf countries, where the winged creature has a primacy among citizens involved in its use for small game hunting and other activities collectively called falconry.
The highest winning bid of 911,000 Qatari riyals was made by Bader Mohsen Misfer Saeed Al Subaey on the penultimate day of the exhibition.
More than 180 companies from around the world participated in the Katara International Falcon and Hunting Exhibition in Doha which ended on Saturday after six days of action in which falcons, falconry products, modern hunting gear, hunting-related weapons , modified vehicles and caravans, accessories and camping items were exhibited.
The other top bids for the hawks were 202,000 Qatari riyals (Rs 43 lakhs) from Jaber Mohamed Salem Ali Al-Hajri and 171,000 Qatari riyals (Rs 37 lakhs) from Mohamed Thwab Al-Qahtani.
According to the organizers, the first prize of $3,000 for the most beautiful hawk hood was won by Pepe Para Hoods from Spain and Sahara Hunting from the UK won the second prize of $2,000.
The winners are decided by the organizing committee based on the vote of the members.
“This is considered the largest and most important specialized exhibition, which makes it the center of attraction,” said Badr Mohamed Saab, CEO of Bader Al Emarat Hunting and Trips Equipment Company.
The awards were first given in 2018 for supporting traditional crafts and industries.
