Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, announced the launch of the Katara One Loft Race 2026, an international homing pigeon competition offering a total prize pool of US$205,000, with participation open to breeders and enthusiasts from both within and outside Qatar.
According to Katara, participating pigeons will be received from June 10 to August 31, 2026, at the Katara One Loft Race headquarters in the Umm Baraka area.
The event forms part of Katara’s efforts to preserve and promote traditional sports and heritage activities that continue to attract enthusiasts across the Gulf region and beyond.
The race follows the internationally recognized Benzing One Loft Race (OLR) system, under which all participating birds undergo the same training and racing program managed by the organizers.
Katara said the final results will be determined exclusively through the official Benzing OLR system, with the results considered final and binding on all participants. Participation is open to all homing pigeon breeders and hobbyists.
Katara noted that once a pigeon is delivered, it becomes legally owned by the loft.
The management also reserves the right to reject any bird that does not meet health or administrative requirements.
The participation fee has been set at 300 U.S. dollars per pigeon, or its equivalent in local currency.
Entries are accepted only in even numbers, while individual entries consisting of an odd number of pigeons will not be accepted.
Half of the participation fee is payable upon delivery of the birds, while the remaining amount must be paid within five days after the completion of the formal 30-kilometer training stage.
All payments are non-refundable, said Katara.
Organizers emphasized strict health requirements, stressing that all birds must be healthy and free from infectious diseases.
The loft’s management and veterinarian reserve the right to exclude any bird suspected of carrying a disease that could affect other participants.
Owners remain responsible for the health condition of their birds upon delivery.
The organizers also noted that pigeon racing involves natural risks, including potential injury or loss of birds.
The management will not be held responsible for losses resulting from weather conditions, natural disasters, or accidents beyond its control.
Winners will share the $205,000 prize fund, with awards distributed according to official schedules approved and announced by the race department.
Katara added that it retains the authority to amend race schedules or timings when necessary to safeguard the birds and ensure the integrity of the competition.
