The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, has launched the Katara One Loft Race 2026, an international homing pigeon competition with a total prize pool of US$205,000, open to participants from Qatar and abroad. Participating pigeons will be accepted from June 10 to August 31, 2026, at the race headquarters in Umm Baraka.
The event reflects Katara’s efforts to preserve and promote traditional sports and heritage activities popular across the Gulf region and beyond. The race follows the internationally recognized Benzing One Loft Race (OLR) system, with all participating birds undergoing the same training and racing programme managed by the organizers.
Key participation rules:
- Results will be determined solely through the official Benzing OLR system and are final.
- Open to all homing pigeon breeders and enthusiasts.
- Once delivered, pigeons become the legal property of the loft.
- Organizers may reject birds that do not meet health or administrative requirements.
- Entry fee is US$300 per pigeon.
- Entries are accepted only in even numbers.
- Half the fee is payable upon delivery, with the balance due within five days after the 30-km training stage.
- All payments are non-refundable.
Health and safety requirements:
- All birds must be healthy and free from infectious diseases.
- Organizers may exclude any bird suspected of carrying disease.
- Owners remain responsible for the health condition of their birds upon delivery.
Other details:
- Pigeon racing carries natural risks, including injury or loss of birds.
- Organizers are not liable for losses caused by weather, natural disasters or unforeseen accidents.
- Winners will share the US$205,000 prize fund according to official schedules.
- Katara reserves the right to amend race schedules when necessary to protect the birds and ensure fair competition.
