Under the wise guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE is set to host the Emirates Falcons International Cup as a major annual event starting from the 2025–2026 season. This announcement represents a historic step for falconry in the UAE, showing the leadership’s commitment to preserving authentic Emirati heritage while promoting the sport globally.

Leadership Support and Patronage

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emphasized that falconry is more than a sport in the UAE; it is a symbol of cultural heritage. The leadership’s continuous support for falconry demonstrates the high importance the UAE places on preserving its traditions. By promoting falconry globally, the UAE aims to share its rich culture with the world while creating a platform for competitive sporting excellence.

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The Emirates Falcons International Cup will be the first championship to carry the UAE’s name while being held outside its borders. This step reflects the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for falconry, showcasing the country’s ability to host world-class sporting events with strong cultural roots.

Approval by UAE Falcons Federation

The UAE Falcons Federation, under the supervision of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, has given full approval for this championship. The event is planned to be held across multiple continents, making it accessible to falconry enthusiasts around the world. The federation aims to ensure the highest standards in organizing and managing the competition while maintaining the authenticity and traditions of the sport.

The championship will be awarded to countries demonstrating the highest readiness and adherence to the competition’s conditions and criteria. This global approach is designed to foster international collaboration and create opportunities for falconry sports to flourish worldwide.

Promoting Falconry and Heritage Globally

Falconry has always been an important part of Emirati culture. By launching this international cup, the UAE seeks to elevate the sport to the global stage. The championship will promote healthy competition, sportsmanship, and sustainable practices in falconry. Through international events, it will introduce people from different countries to the UAE’s traditions and help preserve this ancient practice for future generations.

Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that falconry is not only a national symbol but also a global cultural legacy. By organizing world-class events like this championship, the UAE presents a modern model for countries worldwide to follow in combining sports, culture, and heritage.

Setting New Global Benchmarks

The UAE has long been a leader in promoting falconry and heritage sports. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundation decades ago, devoting attention to nurturing falconry through programs and initiatives that inspired a new generation of enthusiasts. Today, the UAE continues to set global benchmarks for falconry as a competitive sport, combining innovation with tradition.

Sheikh Ahmed pointed out that with the support of the country’s leadership, the UAE has become a global hub for falconry. The UAE has worked tirelessly to expand the sport internationally, creating strategies and programs to enhance its reach, sustainability, and popularity.

Role of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation, welcomed the announcement of the Emirates Falcons International Cup. He noted that this competition comes at a time when the UAE has established itself as a global leader in heritage sports, particularly falconry.

According to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad, associating the UAE’s name with international falconry events adds prestige to the championships. Participants are motivated to deliver their best performances because they know the event represents the UAE, a country renowned for its commitment to heritage and sports excellence.

Global Recognition and Unique Approach

His Excellency Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, praised the UAE’s innovative and strategic approach to promoting falconry. He explained that the UAE has successfully brought this ancient sport back into the spotlight on the international stage. The country has carefully studied and executed steps to ensure falconry gains worldwide recognition while remaining true to its cultural significance.

Bin Markhan highlighted the role of leadership in supporting the sport. He expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed for his patronage of the Emirates Falcons International Cup. He also emphasized that various UAE institutions work together to popularize falconry far and wide, celebrating its rich heritage and ensuring it continues to thrive in modern times.

Impact on the Sport and Global Community

The Emirates Falcons International Cup is expected to impact falconry worldwide significantly. By holding events in different countries, the championship will introduce falconry to new audiences, encouraging global participation. It will also help create a network of falconry enthusiasts, trainers, and experts who can exchange knowledge, experience, and best practices.

This championship also emphasizes sustainability and innovation. The UAE Falcons Federation aims to ensure that falconry continues to evolve as a sport while respecting animal welfare and environmental considerations. The competition will promote modern techniques, training methods, and international standards, ensuring the sport remains relevant and respected globally.

A Legacy of Heritage and Excellence

Falconry in the UAE is more than just a sport. It is a cultural legacy that links the past with the present and inspires the future. By introducing an international championship under the Emirates Falcons name, the UAE demonstrates its commitment to preserving history, promoting excellence, and sharing its traditions with the world.

The Emirates Falcons International Cup represents a unique combination of tradition, culture, and modern sporting values. It is a milestone for the UAE, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in heritage sports and a leading nation in promoting cultural pride globally.

Looking Ahead

Details of the Emirates Falcons International Cup, including the participating countries, competition rules, and schedule, will be announced in an official press conference by the UAE Falcons Federation. The federation has assured that the championship will uphold the highest standards of sport, culture, and tradition.

The event promises to inspire future generations, celebrate the UAE’s achievements, and strengthen the global community of falconry enthusiasts. With the leadership’s support, the Emirates Falcons International Cup is set to become a landmark annual event, showcasing the UAE’s culture, promoting heritage sports worldwide, and setting a global example for excellence in falconry.