Emirates Falcon Racing Cup Set To Commence In Kuwait From December 4 To 7, 2023

The Emirates Falcon Racing Cup will commence in Kuwait from 4 to 7 December. This event is held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It aims to transform falconry from a traditional activity into a recognised international sport.

The UAE Falcons Federation, a founding member of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, organises this tournament as part of its strategic plan. The goal is to develop competitions and expand the sport's global reach, reinforcing its evolution into a formal and sustainable international sport.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan oversees the technical and logistical preparations for the event. These preparations include publishing championship regulations, launching a digital application for participant registration, and finalising the programme for the opening ceremony and related events.

Sheikh Zayed emphasised that the Emirates Falcon Racing Cup opens new horizons for falconry's growth, supported by UAE leadership's guidance. He stated that the aim is to develop the sport into a global model of excellence in organisation, reflecting the UAE’s heritage and identity rooted in this ancient tradition.

Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of both federations and Head of the Supreme Committee of the Emirates Falcon Racing Cup, noted that this championship represents a significant leap forward. It transforms falconry from a Gulf heritage sport into a globally recognised discipline, highlighting increasing international interest.

Event Structure and Participation

The championship includes seven races for the Farkh category with four main rounds, plus Hur and Shaheen rounds for farm-bred falcons. The final 'Cup Race' features top five falcons from each main round. Categories include Pure Jeer, Jeer–Shaheen, Qarmousha, and Jeer–Taba’.

Kuwait has made outstanding efforts since announcing the event’s details. Sheikh Zayed praised these efforts: "The dedicated work of teams in Kuwait gives us full confidence that we are preparing for an exceptional edition... setting a global benchmark of excellence."

Future Prospects

The championship aims to establish an international event rotating among member countries based on criteria set by the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing. It provides host nation falconers an opportunity to participate in a world-class sporting atmosphere while showcasing UAE’s role in promoting falcon racing worldwide.

Rashid bin Markhan confirmed plans to expand into more member countries in coming years. This expansion will include developing training programmes and scientific partnerships to preserve falcon species and enhance care practices, contributing significantly to shaping its future.

The total prize fund for this event is AED500,000 awarded to winners. This initiative not only highlights local falconers' roles but also offers them participation opportunities in an elite sporting environment.

With inputs from WAM