'The hobby of kings'
Pigeon racing enthusiasts in Dhi Qar elevate pastime
DHI QAR — In Souq Al-Shuyukh, Dhi Qar, racing pigeon enthusiasts are pushing their pastime to new heights, despite mixed public perceptions that often link pigeon keeping to privacy concerns. Local trainers stress the sport’s professional standards, highlighting the specialized care and rigorous breeding practices involved.
Pigeon trainers say they acquire birds online from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, relying on reputable racing bloodlines. The Van den Bulck lineage is popular for its performance in long-distance events, while other lines, such as “Verkerk,” can fetch prices up to $4,200. Most pairs range from $400 to $1,500.
“Racing pigeons are fundamentally different from other birds. They possess extraordinary intelligence,” said Ziaa Naeem, a pigeon trainer from Dhi Qar. “We acquire European pigeons, especially from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, because they are high-endurance racing birds.”
Naeem noted that birds typically compete in races spanning 80 to 800 kilometers, sometimes flying for as long as 12 hours. “There is no single best bird—the best is the one that proves itself in races,” he said. Naeem also emphasized the importance of specialized feed imported from Belgium, such as products from Versele-Laga, while warning that crossbreeding racing pigeons with other types produces weaker birds unsuitable for competition.
Ali Jalal, another pigeon trainer, explained the focus on verification and tracking in the sport. “Racing pigeon breeding differs from other birds. They are purchased from Belgium and the Netherlands online and delivered by shipment,” he said.
“This sport has developed since the 1980s and 1990s,” added trainer Hussein Akab, recalling how racing pigeon culture has grown in Dhi Qar. “Today, we use specialized timers to store bird data. The sport attracts great interest from both young and old, and we are continuously working to develop it.”