The falcon market at Souq Waqif in Doha has experienced a significant uptick in activity ahead of the upcoming migratory bird hunting season, which the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) announced will run from early September through mid-February. Falcon sales have reportedly increased by approximately 60 percent compared to prior periods, driven mainly by heightened demand from local Qatari hunters and visitors from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Traders in Souq Waqif attributed the surge in sales to early preparations by hunting enthusiasts as the seasonal campaign approaches. While in-person transactions remain predominant, some customers from the Gulf region are utilizing social media platforms to purchase falcons remotely, with sellers arranging deliveries to buyers’ home countries. This e-commerce component is expected to remain active throughout the season, especially among regular participants in migratory bird hunting.

The market is preparing for additional falcon shipments starting in September from a range of countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Prices for falcons vary widely based on species, origin, and characteristics. The Shaheen falcon starts at around QR30,000, while Gyrfalcons begin near QR20,000. Hybrid Gyr-Shaheen falcons command higher prices, starting at roughly QR50,000. Wakri falcons, also known as Lanner Falcons, are considered more affordable, with prices ranging between QR2,500 and QR5,000. Other varieties such as Sudanese Wakri falcons are priced around QR2,000, British Garmousha falcons near QR4,000, and Spanish Gyrfalcons beginning at approximately QR10,000. Premium birds can exceed QR20,000 depending on their attributes.

In addition to falcons, the seasonal surge in hunting activity has increased demand for associated equipment and accessories. Souq Waqif stores are stocking a variety of products, including gloves, hoods, carrying cases, bird stands, knives, nets, hunting clothing, and optical instruments. Price points in this segment cater to diverse budgets, with basic gloves starting at QR50 and imported Dutch models reaching QR500. Falcon hoods range from QR30 for standard models to around QR100-150 for Mongolian or customized versions. Carrying cases and bird stands are generally priced between QR60 and QR70 and QR60 respectively, while hunting mats cost approximately QR80. Nets for bird capture vary from QR15 to QR30, and knives from QR50 up to QR200. High-end binoculars, such as those manufactured in Germany, start at around QR2,800.

Traders highlighted that purchasing a falcon is only the initial step in preparing for the hunting season. Newly acquired birds usually require a training period—often around 15 days—to adjust to their handlers and regain hunting proficiency. Birds that come pre-trained may require less time for conditioning, which typically involves lure-bound training techniques targeting prey such as pigeons and houbara bustards. As a result, the availability of trained falcons has emerged as an important factor for buyers seeking immediate hunting readiness when the season begins.

The local falcon market also benefits from the growing interest among GCC visitors, many of whom purchase falcons directly during their visits or remotely through social media channels supported by shipping services. Traders expect demand to remain strong throughout the migratory bird hunting season, with increased activity anticipated in the coming months as new shipments arrive and hunting peaks toward January.