Doha: The 14th edition of the Qatar Halal Festival 2026 continued at the Cultural Village Foundation "Katara", attracting livestock breeders, owners, and enthusiasts from Qatar and the region. The festival, running until February 16, showcased high-quality local breeding and competitive spirit across Arabian sheep and Awaridh categories.

According to Qatar News Agency, in the Arabian sheep category, Rashid Hassan Al Eyadi Al Hajri claimed first place in the Production Round for the five best yearlings, followed by Hamad Bakhit Hamad Al Tuwaijir in second, Abdullah Saleh Al Kubaisi third, Thallab Jlaimeed Thallab Al Hajri fourth, and Abdullah Mubarak Al Manaai fifth. Other rounds saw recurring top competitors, reflecting the strong level of competition. In the Awaridh category, Abdullah Ghanim Al Dosari led the Production Round, with regional participants from Saudi Arabia also featuring among the top winners.

The festival emphasizes supporting local breeders, developing the livestock sector, and preserving national heritage while fostering regional participation. Adding a cultural dimension, five visual artists engaged visitors with live painting inspired by the festival's themes of halal breeding and Qatari environment. Among them, Mariam Al Mulla presented a cubist decorative work depicting a sheep using traditional symbolic colors, Lolwah Al Mughaisib highlighted ancestral crafts, and Asma Shukr captured sheep in natural Qatari landscapes, emphasizing the human-animal bond. Khalid Hijazi and Amal Al Abdullah illustrated the connection between shepherds and their flocks, reinforcing the symbolic value of livestock in Qatari society.

The festival continues to provide a holistic experience that combines competitions, art, and heritage, reflecting Katara's commitment to preserving tradition while integrating contemporary creativity.