The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) is participating with a dedicated pavilion in the 10th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2026), held from 8 to 12 September 2026. Through its participation, the Ministry provides visitors and falconers with an opportunity to learn about its falcon-related services and CITES permits, the associated procedures, and the Ministry’s efforts to regulate and protect trade in species listed under the Convention.
Since the launch of the Ministry’s electronic Falcon Services and CITES Permits System in 2024, the platform has processed 24,734 applications as of 6 September 2026. Approximately 67% of complete applications are processed on the same day they are submitted, provided that applicants have supplied all the required documents and supporting information.
The system has witnessed significant growth in demand. It processed 6,115 applications in 2024, increasing to 12,475 applications in 2025, representing a growth of approximately 104%. Between January and 6 September 2026, the system recorded 6,144 applications.
Among all services offered since 2024, the CITES Import Permit has been the most requested service, with a total of 5,747 applications, followed by the Falcon Passport Renewal Service with 4,063 applications, the Issuance of a CITES Captive-bred Falcon Passport with 3,512 applications, and the Falcon Ownership Transfer Service, which received 2,347 applications.
These figures reflect the growing demand for falcon services and CITES permits, as well as the capacity of the electronic platform to accommodate increasing application volumes while maintaining efficient processing times. This comes as the Ministry continues to enhance its digital services, simplify procedures, and improve service delivery for beneficiaries.
The Ministry’s pavilion provides falconers and visitors with direct access to information about the services offered by the Wildlife Development Department, including permits for importing species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the issuance and renewal of falcon passports, the issuance of passports for captive-bred falcons, and falcon ownership transfer services. The pavilion also explains the procedures and requirements applicable to each service.
H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Musallamani, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection Affairs and Natural Reserves, stated that the growth recorded by the electronic Falcon Services and CITES Permits System reflects the continuous development of services provided to falconers and other beneficiaries, as well as the platform’s ability to handle the increasing number of applications while maintaining rapid processing and strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
He noted that the 104% increase in applications during 2025, together with the fact that approximately 67% of complete applications are processed on the day of submission, demonstrates the efficiency of the Ministry’s service procedures and the continuous improvement of its operational mechanisms. He also encouraged falconers to ensure that all required documents are completed before submitting their applications to facilitate same-day processing and avoid unnecessary delays.
He further emphasized that the digital development of falcon services and CITES permits goes hand in hand with the Ministry’s responsibility to regulate trade in CITES-listed species, ensuring compliance with both national and international requirements while supporting wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection efforts.
For his part, Mr. Khalid Juma Bu Jamhour Al Muhannadi, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, stated that the Ministry’s participation in the S’hail Exhibition provides falconers with an opportunity to become familiar with the available services, understand how to benefit from them, receive answers to their inquiries regarding falcon passports and CITES permits, and learn about the requirements that must be fulfilled before importing, exporting, or transporting falcons.
He explained that the services include the issuance and renewal of falcon passports, ownership transfer, and permits for the import, export, and re-export of species listed under the CITES Convention. He added that the Ministry’s pavilion enables falconers to obtain direct guidance on the requirements and supporting documentation needed for each service.
Mr. Al Muhannadi also noted that the Ministry continuously reviews and enhances these services through digital transformation, streamlining procedures while maintaining strict compliance with the national and international regulations governing trade in CITES-listed species.
He urged falconers and beneficiaries to ensure that all required permits and documentation are completed before initiating travel, import, or export procedures, thereby facilitating the smooth processing of transactions and the lawful movement of falcons in accordance with approved regulations.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to regulate international trade in endangered species in a manner that ensures such trade does not threaten their survival in the wild. In the State of Qatar, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, represented by the Wildlife Development Department, is responsible for regulating and monitoring trade in CITES-listed wildlife species and issuing the permits and documentation required for their import, export, transport, and transit in accordance with the applicable regulations.
The opening of the Souq Waqif Service Office of the Wildlife Development Department has further enhanced customer access to these services by enabling the Ministry to receive feedback, understand customer needs, and provide technical assistance and training. The office also offers dedicated support to elderly customers by assisting them with submitting electronic applications or completing applications on their behalf whenever necessary
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