Dubai: In keeping with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, the UAE Falcons Federation has approved the organisation of the Emirates Falcons International Cup. This international falconry championship will be held annually across various continents, beginning with the 2025-2026 season.
According to Emirates Press Agency, the championship aims to elevate falconry and associated sports on the global sporting scene while upholding the highest standards of the sport. It seeks to consolidate the UAE's position as a leading destination for falconry and promote the preservation of falconry's rich heritage through innovative strategies. These objectives will be pursued through the organisation of international events that foster sportsmanship and healthy competition. The initiative also aims to advance sustainability and grow the sport's popularity worldwide by featuring it prominently in national sporting calendars.
The championship will be the first of its kind to carry the UAE's name and be held outside its borders. Hosting rights will be awarded to the country that demonstrates the highest readiness and compliance with the championship's criteria among members of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing. More details are expected to be announced at a press conference by the UAE Falcons Federation.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that the leadership's support for falconry sports underscores the importance of preserving authentic Emirati heritage. He emphasised that falconry is a distinguished symbol of cultural legacy both nationally and globally. The UAE has set global benchmarks in advancing falconry and growing its appeal as a competitive sport, drawing on decades of pioneering initiatives by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, welcomed the announcement of the new competition. He noted that the UAE has secured a leading position for falconry among heritage sports, generating immense global interest. The country has helped establish a solid base of falconry purveyors and contributed to the creation of an international entity aimed at promoting and organising the sport globally.
Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, and the UAE Falcons Federation, affirmed that the UAE's unique approach in promoting falconry sports has earned global acclaim. The success has been achieved through well-studied steps, allowing this ancient sport to regain prominence on the international sporting scene. Bin Markhan expressed pride in the leadership's unwavering support and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed for his patronage of the Emirates Falcons International Cup.