The prestigious Etihad Cup for Falcon Races (Al-Telwah), organized by the UAE Falcons Federation, is scheduled to commence on December 13 in Dubai, running through December 20, drawing elite falconers and reinforcing the United Arab Emirates’ rich cultural heritage. Mandated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of both the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation, this fourth annual championship features 19 distinct races spanning four categories, with trophies distributed across three competitive segments. The event underlines national identity and elevates the sport’s professional standards during the Eid Al Etihad festivities.
The championship is focused on the Farkh category, which denotes the age group of the participating falcons. The competition segments designed to accommodate diverse participants include the Sheikhs, Open Public, and Owners categories. The technical races are divided among four distinct falcon breeds: Pure Jeer, Jeer Shaheen, Qarmoosha, and Jeer Taba. By hosting such a diverse array of races, the Etihad Cup consistently draws top-tier falconers, providing a national platform to showcase advanced techniques and elevate local championship standards.
Elevating Tradition and Professionalism
Since its inauguration in 2022, the Etihad Cup has rapidly become the flagship annual December event for the UAE Falcons Federation. Its primary objective is to maintain and honor Emirati heritage while applying advanced competition criteria to inspire both competitors and organizers. This commitment to enhancement aligns with the values of loyalty and national belonging championed by the country’s leadership.
According to His Excellency Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of both the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation, the Etihad Cup has cemented its status as one of the most prominent events in the global falcon racing calendar. He attributed this success to the continued strategic support and vision provided by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside the critical oversight provided by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of both federations. Their guidance ensures the championship’s stature continues to rise each year through increased participation and refinement of technical and organizational procedures.
Bin Markhan noted that because of exceptional operational planning and execution, which incorporates innovative proposals from various committees, the Etihad Cup serves as a strong organizational reference point for other regional events.
Participant Incentives and Prizes
The championship ensures high engagement by offering significant financial incentives. In each cup race, the top three winners receive substantial cash prizes. Furthermore, the top ten finishers in every qualifying race are also awarded cash rewards, encouraging a broad spectrum of participation and motivating falconers from different competitive segments.
As the tournament unfolds over the next week, the advanced standards of competition and the celebration of traditional practices will be on full display. The continued success of the Etihad Cup underscores Dubai’s commitment to preserving historical sports while fostering high-level global competition, setting a benchmark for future falconry championships worldwide. Interested parties can follow the results and further developments organized by the UAE Falcons Federation.