Doha, September 10 (QNA) - Qatar Museums (QM), represented by the Department of Archaeology, is participating for the first time in the 10th edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition ("S'hail 2026").

This underscores the complementary roles played by institutions and individuals within the state to safeguard cultural memory and preserve the antiquities and historical landmarks that enrich the Qatari desert.

The Department of Archaeology at Qatar Museums has established a prominent presence at "S'hail 2026" by introducing visitors to its archaeological research projects to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage.

In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), QM's Director of Archaeology Faisal Abdulla Al Naimi said that choosing the annual Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition ("S'hail 2026") as a platform for participation is intended to directly engage the public and target desert-goers outside the capital, Doha, to help preserve antiquities.

At the same time, he pointed out that archaeological sites are not merely testimonies to the past, but an integral part of the national identity and shared memory. Preserving them ensures their transmission to future generations.

He explained that the participation in "S'hail" is interactive, featuring a dedicated children's coloring corner titled "I Protect My Country's Antiquities" and a mural titled "I Am a Falconer and I Protect My Antiquities" for visitors to sign.

He revealed that vandalism is often unintentional, resulting from camping activities, lighting fires near historical monuments, or graffiti and writing on historical walls and markers.

Al Naimi emphasized that all members of society, citizens and residents alike, are partners in protecting antiquities, alongside inspectors who serve as "heritage protectors" providing direct guidance and information to visitors of all ages at the department's pavilion. He stressed that the younger generation is the primary target and the torchbearer for antiquities protection.

He praised the growing community awareness regarding the importance of heritage, noting that individuals frequently contact the Department of Archaeology when discovering artifacts, while many others actively caution people engaging in unintentional acts of vandalism.

The Director of Archaeology at Qatar Museums pointed out that most campers typically look for flat, open terrain for camping, urging them to avoid harmful behaviors such as cutting fences, shooting at directional signs, or defacing walls.

He noted that Qatar Museums outlines several guidelines and steps to protect Qatar's heritage, including staying on designated paths to avoid damaging heritage sites. Improvising or creating new tracks can disorient other visitors and lead them away from main routes.

He pointed out that improper behaviors also include climbing archaeological structures, many of which are extremely fragile and can easily collapse or suffer irreparable damage, destroying the cultural and scientific value of the heritage site forever, along with other guidelines.

"S'hail 2026" exhibition continues to welcome visitors until this coming Saturday. (QNA)