Kuwait city: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and the patronage 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 inaugural Emirates Falcon Racing Cup is scheduled to commence next Thursday in Kuwait. The event will run from December 4 to 7.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Emirates Falcon Racing Cup is part of the UAE Falcons Federation’s strategic plan. As a founding member of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, the federation aims to enhance competitions and broaden the sport’s global appeal, transitioning it from a traditional heritage activity to a formal international sport.
Under the supervision of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, Vice President of the UAE Falcons Federation, and Chairman of the Emirates Falcon Racing Cup, all technical and logistical preparations have been completed. These preparations include the dissemination of championship regulations, the launch of a digital application for participant registration, and the finalisation of the opening ceremony and related events.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan highlighted that the Emirates Falcon Racing Cup represents a significant opportunity for the growth and sustainability of falconry, driven by the UAE leadership’s commitment. The objective is to develop the sport into a global model of organisational excellence, reflecting the UAE’s rich heritage and national identity.
He commended Kuwait for its efforts since the event’s announcement, expressing confidence in delivering an exceptional championship that unites top falconers in a competitive environment. This inaugural event aims to set a global standard of excellence, establishing a foundation for the championship to be held annually across member countries.
Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, Secretary-General of the UAE Falcons Federation, and Head of the Supreme Committee of the Emirates Falcon Racing Cup, stated that the championship marks a transformative step for falconry, elevating it to a globally recognised sport. He noted that the UAE’s leadership role in this development will continue, with plans for the championship’s expansion and the creation of training and scientific initiatives to preserve falcon species.
The Emirates Falcon Racing Cup will feature seven races in the Farkh category, including four main rounds, a Hur round, and a Shaheen round for farm-bred falcons, culminating in the ‘Cup Race’ with the top falcons from each round. Categories include Pure Jeer, Jeer-Shaheen, Qarmousha, and Jeer-Taba’, with a total prize fund of AED500,000.
The championship offers falconers from the host nation the chance to compete, promoting their role and providing exposure to a world-class sporting environment. The event aims to rotate among member countries, highlighting the UAE’s role in advancing falcon racing globally.