391 falcons take part in Sharjah Falconers Club Championship
The competition will conclude today with races in various categories, including Pure Jeer, Qarmoosha Jeer (adult falcons), Jeer Farkh (under one year of age) and Jirnas (over one year)
The 4th edition of the Sharjah Falconers Club Championship - Telwah, organised with the support of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), saw strong participation from 165 falconers with 391 birds competing over first two days.
The Sharjah Falconers Club Championship has proven a major atraction for the falconers from across the UAE and GCC countries as they gathered for the four-day falcon racing at Sharjah’s Maliha desert area. The event likewise achieved a record in technical and competitive levels as it was held on a new track ‘ Al-sinah’, which is the first of its kind in the world, whereby the falcons fly a specific distance of 400 metres along a straight path in the wind’s direction.
Abdulaziz Bin Sultan Al Ali, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Falconers Club and Chairman of the Organizing Commitee of the Championship, thanked the falconers participating in the championship and praised them for their efforts in preserving and promoting the UAE heritage sport.
He noted the success of the championship was evident in the big number of participants. “The championship, now only in its fourth year, has grown big from year to year. It has also attracted strong participation from falconers inside and outside the UAE,” he added.
Falconers were, likewise, satisfied with the special arrangements done by the Organizing Commitee. Juma Abdullah said organisers were able to adjust and implement the necessary precautionary measures in light of the prevailing health condition in the world.
Falconer Humaid Mohammed Al Tayer also expressed his appreciation in holding the falcon racing as it motivates them to continue their path in the traditional sport and strive for excellence.
The competition will conclude on Saturday with races in various categories, including Pure Jeer, Qarmoosha Jeer (adult falcons), Jeer Farkh (under one year of age) and Jirnas (over one year).
Souad Ibrahim Darwish, Director of Championships at HHC, commented: “Through the years, falconry has become more popular in the UAE. Once an integral part of Bedouin life, it has evolved into a highly skilled sport, with big rewards for those highly-skilled at training their birds of prey.”
She added: “The tournaments have become more and more sophisticated. One of the many achievements of the HHC has been to raise awareness among the general public about heritage sports, including falconry — and we look forward to more success and championships in the coming months.”
WINNERS OF ‘AL FURDAH FALCONS AWARD’ HONOURED: Dubai Customs on Monday held a ceremony to honour the winners of the Al Furdah Falcons Award, in recognition of the outstanding efforts of the frontline heroes and staff who worked efficiently from home during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award recognised 40 contenders in individual categories, while corporate-level categories included three awardees each in the Watchful Eye Group, Best Project/initiative/idea, and Border Protectors category, and 20 in the Special Honours category.
The ceremony was atended by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-general of Dubai Customs, alongside several senior executives, heads of departments and the award winners.
All precautionary measures, including social distancing, were taken. The event took place at Dubai Customs Al Furdah Hall and was internally streamed live to all employees.
The first edition of the award has seven categories that are divided into two levels: the Individual level which includes the Medal of Customs Honour, Medal of Best Director during the remote working period, and Medal of Best Supervisor during the remote working period.
The Corporate level includes the Watchful Eye Group, Best Project/initiative/idea, Border Protectors for best department implementing precautionary measures at work, and the Special Honours category.
There were 220 entries competing for the Al Furdah Falcons Award in different categories. Ater evaluation of the entries by an external judging panel, 100 contenders were shortlisted for the final round where 49 individual nominees were announced as winners and 20 departments selected for Special Honours.