Dubai: Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, and President of the UAE Falcons Federation, the third edition of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing Cup, titled 'Masters Heats', will be held on 14th February. The event will take place at the Lahbab Track, located at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the championship will feature widespread international participation, with 27 teams from 25 countries competing across four heats. This highlights the tournament's global appeal and its growing importance on the competitive heritage sports map. The hosting of this third edition follows a cooperation agreement signed last month between the UAE Falcons Federation and the Supreme Organising Committee of the Masters Games - Abu Dhabi 2026. This agreement aims to strengthen collaboration ahead of the global event, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from 6th to 15th February and will bring together more than 25,000 athletes competing across 37 sports over ten days.
The agreement was signed by Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the UAE Falcons Federation, and Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing has bolstered the championship's global stature by establishing the Cup as an annual platform that unites national federations and teams worldwide, advancing falconry's evolution from a local tradition into an international sport.
The first edition of the Cup in 2023 saw the Al-Gannas Qatari Society team win first place, followed by the UAE Falcons Federation team in second, and the Committee of Popular Heritage Sports of the Kingdom of Bahrain in third. In the second edition in 2024, the UAE Falcons Federation secured first place, with the Al-Gannas Qatari Society team coming second, and the Bahraini Committee for Traditional Sports team third.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, emphasized the importance of leveraging major sporting platforms to promote the sport of the UAE's forefathers, both domestically and globally. Hosting the Cup this year is significant as it coincides with the Masters Games - Abu Dhabi 2026, welcoming more than 25,000 athletes globally. He expressed pride in falconry's inclusion in the Masters Games, transitioning from a recreational pursuit to a global sport with recognition from the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing.
Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, explained that the sustainable development approach adopted by the Federation stems from the visionary leadership and directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. This approach aims to ensure falconry has a strong international presence, strengthening future generations' connection to their heritage through competition.
Meanwhile, Aref Hamad Al Awani affirmed that hosting the third International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing Cup 'Masters Heats' represents a milestone in falconry's development and its international presence. He noted that the event reflects the UAE's growing status as a global hub for heritage sports, contributing to connecting generations with authentic sporting heritage and promoting Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for global sporting events.
He extended his thanks to all parties involved, commending their efforts to ensure the success of the upcoming event and affirming that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to presenting heritage sporting events befitting their stature and significance in the UAE.