Fazza Falcons Racing Cup 2nd Edition To Begin January 12 At Lahbab Track Dubai

The second edition of the Fazza Falcons Racing Cup (Telwah) is set to begin on 12 January at the Lahbab Track, hosted by the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center in Dubai. The 400‑metre falconry racing event continues to develop as a specialised competition for elite falcons and skilled falconers across the UAE.

The championship takes place 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 event reflects sustained institutional backing for organised falconry racing within the country.

Racing in the Public Category (Owners – Open) is scheduled for 12 January, while falcons in the Sheikh Category will compete on 17 January. The Sheikh Category racing will unfold across six rounds, giving falconers several opportunities to secure leading times and places over the 400‑metre course.

Falcons competing in the Farkh category form a key part of the line‑up. Eligible types include Jeer Shaheen, Jeer Tibah, Pure Jeer, and Qarmousha. These birds are entered by specialist falconers who focus on Telwah racing formats that demand accuracy in training, handling and race execution.

Entry to the Fazza Falcons Racing Cup is linked directly to results in the Fazza Championship for Falconry - Telwah. Farkh category falcons that place in the top three within the Symbol and Golden Burqa rounds, along with first‑place winners in the Cash rounds, gain qualification rights for the Racing Cup.

The financial structure of the championship is also defined in advance. Total prizes for the Fazza Falcons Racing Cup stand at AED2.8 million. Beyond these awards, the top three Farkh category falcons in the Cup itself will progress to the final rounds of the Mohammed bin Rashid Falcons Cup, extending their competitive season.

Heritage focus of the Fazza Falcons Racing Cup and falconry racing

The Fazza Falcons Racing Cup is launched in appreciation of the ongoing support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. The event highlights falconry as a sport closely linked to heritage, identity and traditional practices across the region.

In its second year, the championship continues to spotlight leading falconers and provide a platform where performance, training methods and competitive standards are tested in timed races. Participants compete not only for financial rewards, but also for recognition within a community that values long‑term commitment to falconry.

Falconry racing development and Fazza Falcons Racing Cup impact

The inaugural edition, held one year earlier, had already set strong competitive and technical standards. It saw wide participation from falconers and produced results that reflected detailed preparation and professional handling. Those outcomes created momentum for the second edition and positioned the Cup as a consistent feature in the national falconry calendar.

Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing and Secretary General of the UAE Falcons Federation, expressed pride in the progress of the event. Bin Markhan noted that, despite its recent establishment, the championship has already developed a firm presence grounded in authentic sporting values and Emirati traditions.

Bin Markhan explained that the first edition drew strong attendance and involved close leadership engagement. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum followed the races from the field and crowned the winners, demonstrating direct support for falconry racing activities.

This level of involvement highlights the connection between leadership, falconers and cultural sports in the UAE. Falconry racing is viewed as one of the sports most closely associated with heritage and national identity. The Fazza Falcons Racing Cup reinforces that link by combining structured competition with respect for established falconry practices.

Bin Markhan added that the UAE Falcons Federation has already published the terms, conditions, and detailed information for the championship through its official social media platforms. The Federation aims to keep participants, organisers and interested audiences updated on all events held under its umbrella throughout the year, maintaining clarity around regulations and schedules.

With inputs from WAM