Qatar’s falconry fair returns
Also this week: Upcycling design, live art and music all the way from Spain.
Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.
After a week when global tensions touched the city, Doha looks ahead with its characteristic blend of resilience and creativity. From the sharp gaze of a falcon in flight to the brushstrokes of artists capturing the moment, this week Doha invites you to step into worlds both ancient and inventive. Heritage meets innovation as hunting traditions, sustainable design and live performances converge across the city, offering experiences at every turn. It’s a week to witness skill, creativity and culture in motion.
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Thanks for reading,
Reve
P.S. Have feedback or tips on Doha's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.
1. Leading the week: Katara International Hunting & Falcons Exhibition
Falconers at the Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition 2024. (Courtesy of S’hail)
The ninth edition of the S’hail Exhibition — Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition 2025 — invites falconry enthusiasts, hunters and outdoor lovers to an immersive experience celebrating Qatar’s rich heritage. The event features live falcon auctions, beauty contests and hands-on demonstrations of the latest hunting, camping and 4×4 gear, alongside family-friendly workshops, food courts and interactive exhibits.
Visitors can explore the heritage zone highlighting falconry traditions, witness competitions in falcon beauty, hood design and call-making, and engage with displays connecting cultural history with modern practice. With free general admission and easy on-site parking, S’hail 2025 offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Leading international brands showcase the latest falconry, hunting and outdoor gear, making S’hail 2025 a premier platform for business, networking and cultural celebration.
Date: Until Sep. 14
Location: Katara Cultural Village
More information here.
2. Word on the street: “Thailand’s Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life” exhibition
Exterior view of M7 Gallery. (Courtesy of Qatar Museums)
A new exhibition at M7 Gallery in Msheireb Downtown Doha invites visitors to discover how discarded materials can be reimagined into useful, elegant and sustainable creations. Organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in collaboration with Qatar Museums, “Thailand’s Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life” highlights Thailand’s leadership in the circular economy, where innovation, culture and responsibility come together.
On display are products made from recycled plastic, marine debris, agricultural by-products, and more — items that range from eco-textiles and biodegradable packaging to artisanal homeware. Each piece reflects the power of design and craftsmanship to transform waste while honoring cultural heritage and community knowledge.
The exhibition also highlights the human side of sustainability, sharing stories of communities and creators who are turning environmental challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation and cultural preservation. It’s a celebration of how tradition and modern technology can converge to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Date: Until Sep. 14
Location: M7 Gallery, Msheireb Downtown Doha
More details here.
3. Doha diary
Exterior view of 21 High Street at Katara. (Courtesy of 21 High Street)
- Live Art Exhibition at Katara 21 High Street
Throughout September, Katara’s 21 High Street transforms into an open-air studio where visitors can witness creativity in motion. Local and international artists will paint live, bringing canvases to life in real time. The event promises an atmosphere filled with artistry, inspiration and cultural exchange — perfect for anyone who enjoys watching imagination unfold right before their eyes.
Date: Through Sept. 30
Location: 21 High Street in Katara, Qatar
More information here.
- Qatar Philharmonic Presents: Spanish Impressions
Qatar Philharmonic invites audiences to an evening that moves from playful experimentation to Iberian flair under the baton of Elias Grandy. The concert begins with Friedrich Gulda’s Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra, featuring Hassan Moataz El Molla in a spirited blend of classical music and jazz. After intermission, the orchestra turns to Spain with de Falla’s lively Three-Cornered Hat Suites and Rimsky-Korsakov’s brilliant Capriccio Espagnol.
Date: Sept. 11
Location: Qatar National Convention Center, Auditorium 3
More information here.
- Art adventure workshop
A creative journey awaits young artists at Mathaf, where teens can participate in a hands-on workshop designed to spark imagination and experimentation. Guided by experienced instructors, participants will explore painting, drawing and mixed-media techniques inspired by renowned modern artists.
Date: Sept. 13
Location: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
More information here
- A Musical Encounter: Sounds of Qatar and Argentina
As part of Qatar Museums’ Year of Culture, Doha presents a preview of an exceptional international program before it travels to the world-renowned Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires. Conducted by Enrique Diemecke, the performance blends South American and Qatari voices, featuring Piazzolla’s “Aconcagua Concerto” for bandoneon, performed by Victor Hugo Villena, works by Esteban Benzecry and Alberto Ginastera, and new compositions by Dana Alfardan and Nasser Sahim, which weave Arabic influences into contemporary orchestral textures.
Date: Sept. 14
Location: Auditorium 3, QNCC
More information here.
4. Film of the week: “The Workers Cup”
The Workers Cup (2017) is a feature documentary offering a rare glimpse into the lives of African and Asian migrant laborers in Qatar, who are building the infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The film follows a group of these workers as they take part in a football tournament—the “Workers Cup”—organized by construction companies and backed by Qatar’s World Cup committee. Far from being mere sports action, the tournament becomes a powerful lens through which their hopes, struggles and solidarity are portrayed.
5. View from Doha
A phase of a total eclipse of the moon is seen above Doha on September 7, 2025. (KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
6. By the numbers
- In 2025, cinema tickets in Qatar averaged $12.30, making it the third most expensive country in the Arab world, according to Numbeo’s Cinema Ticket Prices.
- In July 2025, Swiss watch exports to major Arab markets reached $252.5 million, representing about 8.4% of global Swiss watch exports, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Qatar was the third-largest market, with imports worth $31.8 million.
