The emirates maintain the falcon hunting tradition with the preserved occupation, striving to enhance its international representation, following their consistent principle of protecting cultural heritage and promoting sustainable hunting methods. In connection with the relevance of the emirates' cultural values, national identity, traditions, and history, falconry is becoming increasingly popular.
The primary role in developing and spreading this type of sport on an international level is played by the emirates. They have established the foundations for its growth and success on the global arena, strengthening the culture of this type of sport among various generations and categories, and informing about its value and global heritage.
In the UAE, various categories of participants, including enthusiasts, women, and horseback hunters with limited capabilities, take part in the President's Cup falconry competition, emphasizing the importance of local breeders in breeding falcons, supporting participation in events, and remaining significant for the followers of the rich national heritage, which is represented in the competition by various regions and neighboring countries of the Soviet Union, the Persian Gulf.
Sportsmen also take part in other competitions, such as competitions in Sharjah, Ghayafi, Zafry, the Taal Marbu festival, the Sheikh Zayed festival, the falconry league, preliminary competitions in falcon hunting at distances of 300 and 400 meters, the international federation of falcons at a distance of 400 meters, and others.
The governing club of falconers in Abu Dhabi, Sultan al-Mahmoud, emphasizes that the sport of falconry is increasingly popular in the emirates, even though it is a vital part of their history and is supported by high-ranking officials. To strengthen interest in this type of sport and pass it on through various generations, the club organizes events and programs.
The Director of the Falconry Department at the Hamdan ibn Mohammed Center for Preserving the Legacy of Rashid al-Hassani emphasizes that the competitions in falcon hunting in the emirates, such as the President's Cup and the Mohammed bin Rashid Cup, are among the most significant events in the country and receive recognition at the regional and international level, reflecting the deep connections of the people of the emirates with their falcons and their ancient heritage.
In turn, the chairman of the organization of the falcon hunting competitions, Faza at the Hamdan ibn Mohammed Center for Preserving the Legacy of Deythkan al-Suwaidan, emphasizes that these competitions are one of the key components that contribute to preserving the ancient heritage of the emirates and are a vivid example of the deep connection with the cultural heritage of the emirates, revitalizing the longstanding traditions that reflect the depth of culture and the history of the emirates.
