Ahmed Bin Mohammed Appoints Zayed Bin Hamad As Chairman Of Emirates Falcons International Cup For Global Heritage Sports

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has appointed Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Emirates Falcons International Cup. Sheikh Zayed also serves as Vice President of both the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation. The appointment reflects a commitment to advancing falconry sports globally.

The Emirates Falcons International Cup will be held annually in different countries, starting with the 2025–2026 season. This initiative is under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event aims to promote heritage sports worldwide.

Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, will lead the Supreme Organising Committee for the Emirates Falcons International Cup. This committee will manage all organisational aspects, set objectives, approve plans, and oversee subcommittees responsible for implementation.

The Supreme Organising Committee will have four specialised subcommittees: Referees, Appeals, Technical, and Registration, Protocol and Logistics Committees. These groups will ensure smooth execution of the championship's vision and objectives across member nations.

Kuwait will host the first edition from 4th to 7th December, featuring seven races in the Farkh category. Events include competitions for Hur and Shaheen falcons and a final Cup Race. The top five falcons from each category — Pure Jeer, Jeer Shaheen, Qarmoosha, and Jeer Taba — will compete for prizes totalling AED500,000.

Sheikh Zayed expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed for his trust in him to lead this initiative. He emphasised that this championship marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a falconry event bearing the UAE’s name will be hosted abroad.

Promoting Heritage Sports

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that promoting heritage sports like falconry showcases the UAE’s cultural roots and its dedication to preserving traditions while sharing them globally. The championship seeks to elevate falcon racing on an international scale.

Sheikh Zayed praised Kuwait's organising teams for their high level of coordination and preparation efforts. He noted that this collaboration ensures success while celebrating shared cultural heritage between both nations.

Commitment to Excellence

Rashid bin Markhan thanked H.H. Sheikh Ahmed for his support and stressed his commitment to ensuring the championship's success through meticulous planning and execution. He stated that maintaining UAE’s reputation is paramount while advancing championship goals across all federation members.

The Emirates Falcons International Cup aims to globalise falcon racing while reinforcing UAE’s leadership in this sport. By focusing on sportsmanship, fair play, and sustainability, it seeks to preserve falconry's legacy for future generations.

With inputs from WAM