Falcon Souq

Information

This fascinating new souq, next to Souq Waqif, is worth a visit just to see the kind of paraphernalia involved in falconry. All kinds of equipment, such as burkha (hoods) and hubara (feathers), are on sale. During falcon season (October to March) you will also see dozens of peregrines and other assorted falcons patiently aperch their stands. A truculent falcon costs about QR2000, but a well-mannered bird can be many times that figure and usually changes hands privately. The shop owner is quite happy to show off the birds to anyone who shows some interest. The best part of the experience, however, is seeing young Qatari lads buying their first falcon under the beedy eyes of an uncle or grandfather, keen to hand down the family heritage of bird-handling skills.