Beautiful falcons

Falcons across the UAE are set to descend on Abu Dhabi for the launch of a new edition of the Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcons contest

The beautiful falcon plays an important role in the traditional culture of the United Arab Emirates that dates back hundreds of years. The desert environment may well be stunningly beautiful, but for Bedouins, this environment was a tough terrain on which to hunt. The use of falcons helped Bedouins hunt animals native to the region, such as bustards and curlews.

Falcons are unique compared to other predatory animals in that falcons are able to be trained to deliver their prey without first killing it, an important fact in Islam whereby meat must be halal.

Today, falconry is a popular sport in the UAE, enjoyed by ordinary citizens as well as the highest-ranking members of society. The most popular species of falcon used by hunters are saker and peregrine falcons.

And on Sunday 2 October 2022, falcons will come into their own during the Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcons contest at The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). The competition will see the birds of prey take flight in three categories: Most Beautiful Saker (Local & International), Most Beautiful Pure Gyr (Local & International), and Most Beautiful Gyr Peregrine.

These beautiful birds of wonder will be evaluated on their weight and body measurements, the symmetry and colour of their glorious feathers, the details of the falcon’s head, body and legs, the birds’ general aesthetic appearance, as well as their health and the absence of any diseases.

This will take place at the Emirates Facolners Club’s stand at the exhibition at 6pm.

It is important to note that the hunting of wild animals in the UAE was outlawed in 1978 and since then, the country has sought to conserve wildlife and protect falcons in the wild with programmes that promote captive-bred falcons.

ADIHEX runs from 26 September to 2 October 2022.