Falconry in the UAE: Soaring Through History and Modern Sport
May 8, 2025
Copy Link
Sources
40
Show Sources in Text
Novotel-dubai-world-trade-centre
Bookmybooking
Forevertourism
Focus Hidubai
Travelsaga
Twocontinents
Dxboffplan
Arabianbusiness
Experience
Archive Aramcoworld
Dxbnewsnetwork
Dxbnewsnetwork
Uaestories
Uw360
Qatarmarine
Mexicohistorico
Agulhasocean
Gradesfixer
Travelsaga
Resources Enwwf
Propertyfinder
Dubaiasitusedtobe
Magnumphotos
En Wikipedia
Magzoid
Artsandculture Google
Landsurvival
En Wikipedia
En Wikipedia
Alwaslsc
Faris7b Weebly
En Wikipedia
Astrosafe
Uaeerf
Dubai
En Wikipedia
Econstor
Thegentlemansjournal
Uae Platinum-heritage
Uaestories
Imagine the vast desert landscape, the silence broken only by the wind and the sharp cry of a bird of prey overhead. This isn't just a scene from a movie; it's a glimpse into the heart of Emirati culture through the ancient practice of falconry, known locally as Al Qanas or Bizarah
[7]
[28]. More than just a sport, falconry is a living connection to the Bedouin heritage, a time when these magnificent birds were essential partners in survival across the challenging desert terrain
[3]
[11]
[4]
[30]
[37]. Historically, falcons helped hunt vital food sources like the Houbara bustard and Stone Curlew, crucial for sustenance and upholding the traditions of hospitality
[1]
[15]
[36][37]. Today, while no longer essential for survival, falconry remains a revered traditional sport, embodying deep cultural values like courage, patience, honour, and the unique companionship between falconer and bird[3][11]
[20][37]. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father, was a passionate advocate, championing falconry as a vital link to nature and heritage[11]
[19][20]. Join us as we explore the techniques, thrilling competitions, and crucial conservation efforts that keep this UNESCO-recognized heritage soaring high[1][11]
[18][19]
[21]
[24][28].
The Majestic Hunter: Symbolism and Species
Why falcons? These birds command respect, admired for their striking beauty, noble posture, incredible speed, and exceptionally sharp eyesight[1][3][7][19]. Their significance runs so deep that the falcon proudly sits on the national emblem of the United Arab Emirates, a powerful symbol of the nation's strength and heritage[1][3][7][19]. In the UAE, two species have traditionally been favoured by falconers[1][7][15][36]
[33]. The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), known locally as Saqr or Hurr (the larger female), is perfectly adapted for hunting in the open desert landscapes[7][15]. Then there's the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), or Shaheen, renowned globally for its breathtaking speed[1][7][15][36][33]. Interestingly, falconers often prefer the female birds (Al-Hurr for Sakers, Bahri Shahin for Peregrines) because they are typically larger and more powerful hunters than their male counterparts (Garmoush for Sakers, Shahin Tiba for Peregrines)[1][7][15]. While tradition holds strong, modern falconry, especially in competitions, sees the increasing use of powerful hybrid falcons, like Gyr-Saker crosses, and pure Gyrfalcons, prized for their potential speed and strength
[29][36]
[38].
The Ancient Art of Training (Bizarah)
Training a falcon, or Bizarah, is far from simple; it's an art form built on immense patience, empathy, and a deep connection between the falconer (Saqqar) and their bird[1][3][7]
[9][11]. This unique bond, founded on trust and gentle handling, is everything[9]. Historically, these intricate skills were passed down through families, a treasured generational knowledge[9][30][37]. Now, while family traditions continue, specialized institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School also play a vital role, formally teaching the nuances of falcon behaviour, training methods, and proper care
[23]
[26][37].
In the past, Bedouins skillfully captured wild falcons, mainly Sakers and Peregrines, during their migration[7][15][36]. They used clever techniques like decoys, nets hidden near water sources, or even hiding in pits with lure pigeons[9][36]. Often, these wild birds were 'borrowed' – trained and hunted with for a season, then released back into the wild, showing an early understanding of conservation[15][29]
[31][36]. Today, things are different. Due to vital conservation regulations, trapping wild falcons is largely restricted[29][31]. The vast majority of falcons used now are captive-bred, sourced from specialized breeding centres, a crucial shift protecting wild populations[1][23][26][28][29].
The training itself usually starts when the falcon is around seven months old and can last weeks or even months[1][3]
[17]. Arabian falconers are known for their remarkably quick training methods, often achieved through constant closeness – carrying the bird, talking to it, keeping it near[15]. The process begins with 'manning', getting the falcon comfortable with human presence[1]. A key tool here is the Burqa, a soft leather hood that covers the falcon's eyes[1][7]
[8][11]
[13][17]. By limiting sight, the hood helps keep the bird calm and receptive[8][13][17]. Controlled feeding is used to build dependence and associate the falconer with reward[1][15][17].
Next comes lure training, using the Telwah or Milwah – a feathered decoy, often made with Houbara wings, swung on a rope[1][7][11][13][29][31]. This teaches the falcon to chase, stoop (dive dramatically), and attack the lure[1][8][11][13]. When the falcon successfully catches it, the falconer rewards it with food, reinforcing the behaviour and building muscle[1][8]
[10][13][17][29][31]. Modern training sometimes even incorporates drones or remote-controlled planes to push the falcon's skills further[1][29]. The ultimate goal is to train the falcon to capture prey efficiently, traditionally without killing it, allowing for halaal slaughter[1][4]. Essential traditional gear includes the Burqa (hood), Manqalah (protective glove), Waker (perch), and Jesses (leg straps), while modern technology adds GPS trackers for safety and monitoring[1][3][7][8][11][19][29][30].
From Hunt to Sport: Modern Falconry Competitions
While its roots are in survival, falconry in the UAE has gracefully evolved into a prestigious and thrilling modern sport, celebrated across society[1][3][7][9]. These competitions, typically held during the cooler winter months in stunning desert settings, are dazzling displays of speed, agility, and the incredible bond between falconer and falcon[1][3]. They attract participants and enthusiastic crowds from all corners of the globe[3].
One of the brightest jewels in the falconry calendar is the Fazza Championship for Falconry, hosted annually in Dubai's Al Ruwayyah desert area[3][17][38]
[32]. Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), this event enjoys strong backing from Dubai's leadership, especially H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai[38]
[39]. The championship isn't just about prestige; it boasts significant prize money, with past seasons distributing sums like AED 47 million, attracting the very best falconers and their prized birds[38]. A new cup with AED 2.8 million in prizes further elevates the stakes[39].
The most common competition format is the electrifying Telwah race[38][32]. Here, falcons are timed as they fly a set distance, usually 400 meters, straight towards their falconer who is swinging the lure (Telwah) at the finish line[1][38]. Speed is everything, with winning times often clocking in around an astonishing 17-18 seconds[38]. Precision is ensured through modern technology like electronic timing systems and smart rings fitted to the falcons[32]
[40].
To ensure fairness and showcase diverse skills, competitions feature numerous categories[38][33]. These often include divisions based on ownership (Sheikhs, Public, Juniors, GCC participants), the falcon's age (Farkh for birds under one year, Jirnas for older birds), and the specific species or breed (Pure Saker, Pure Peregrine, Pure Gyr, various hybrids like Gyr Shaheen or Garmousha)[38][32][33][39][40]. There are even exciting categories like RC Airplane Falconry, testing endurance over longer distances[40]. Beyond Fazza, prestigious falconry competitions are also a highlight of events like the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX)[3]
[14]. This blend of ancient skill and modern sporting spectacle keeps the tradition vibrantly alive[1][3][38][32][40].
Guardians of a Legacy: Conservation and Heritage Preservation
The UAE doesn't just celebrate falconry; it actively leads the world in protecting both the falcons and their natural environment, a commitment deeply rooted in the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan[1]
[2][3][11]
[16][19]. He understood the crucial balance needed between preserving this profound cultural tradition and ensuring ecological responsibility[2][11][16]. This dedication continues today through numerous groundbreaking initiatives[1][3][11][16][19].
A flagship initiative is the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP), established in 1995[1][2][3]
[34]
[6][11][16][4][19]. This program rehabilitates falcons, often those used during the hunting season or others needing care, and releases them back into their natural migration routes across Central Asia and beyond[34]
[5][6]
[22]
[25]
[27]. Managed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), IFHC, and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH), it has successfully released over 2,274 Saker and Peregrine falcons as of mid-2024[34][5][25]. Each bird undergoes rigorous health checks and rehabilitation before release, and many are fitted with satellite trackers to monitor their journeys and survival, providing invaluable data for conservation science[34][5][6][7][16][22][27].
Central to these efforts is the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH), the world's largest facility dedicated to falcon healthcare, established in 1999[2][3][9][11][19]. It offers top-tier veterinary services, conducts vital research, runs breeding programs, and provides the essential medical care for the SZFRP[2][3][5][6][8][13][29]. The ADFH also welcomes visitors, educating the public about falcon welfare[9][17]. Alongside world-class healthcare, captive breeding programs are crucial, providing a sustainable source of falcons for the sport and reducing pressure on wild populations[1][23][26][28]. Strict regulations, including falcon passports pioneered by the UAE, govern trade and transport, complemented by international collaborations, like projects mitigating power line risks for falcons in Mongolia[1][5][17][19][29][34]
[35].
Conservation extends to the falcons' prey, especially the Houbara bustard, classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and past pressures[10][14][16][34]. The Abu Dhabi-based International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) leads global efforts, managing vast captive-breeding centres in the UAE and abroad
[12][14][34][5][10]. Since 1998, the IFHC has released over half a million captive-bred Houbara back into the wild across 17 countries, a monumental effort to restore populations[12][14][16]. Engaging falconers as partners has been key to this success[10][23][26].
Preserving the heritage itself is paramount. The Emirates Falconers' Club (EFC), founded in 2001, promotes sustainable and ethical falconry, organizes events like ADIHEX, and supports research and education[20][23][26][28][30]. The UAE also led the successful multinational effort to have falconry inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its global cultural value[1][11][18][21][23][24][26][28][30]. Falconry remains woven into the fabric of Emirati life, featured in celebrations, arts, and educational programs, ensuring this ancient practice continues to inspire future generations[2][11][19][23][26][35][37]. Through science, regulation, breeding programs, and cultural promotion, the UAE safeguards this precious link to its past and ensures its flight into the future[2][3][10][11][20][28][34].
Try It for Free