Emirates Falcon Racing International Cup Returns to Gulf with Bahrain Second Edition
The prestigious international championship celebrates heritage falconry's journey from the UAE to the world stage, with Bahrain hosting the second edition in December
The Emirates Falcon Racing International Cup is preparing for its second edition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking another significant milestone for this distinguished international sporting showcase dedicated to one of the region’s most cherished traditions.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of both the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation, affirmed that the championship represents a sporting platform with noble objectives. Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, the event is designed to tell the success story of heritage falconry whilst showcasing it in a contemporary format that preserves its historical roots and authentic identity.
Following the remarkable inaugural edition held in Kuwait, Bahrain will now host the championship from 2 to 5 December. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed emphasised that the host country serves as a crucial partner in shaping the event’s success, lending distinctive character that reflects its unique history and organisational expertise.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing and Chairman of the Emirates Falcon Racing International Cup, expressed pride in Bahrain’s selection as host. He stressed that the championship presents an exquisite Emirati model that advances the sport through cooperation with member states, noting that the strong reception from participating nations since the championship’s launch demonstrates the strength of its objectives and capacity to achieve global reach.
The competition will feature seven rounds encompassing four main categories alongside dedicated rounds for Hurr and Shaheen falcons, plus a cup round. Categories include Pure Gyr, Gyr Shaheen, Qarmousha, Gyr Tabaa, and farm-bred Hurr and Shaheen classifications.
The second edition reflects deepening fraternal relations between the UAE and Bahrain, with both nations committed to preserving authentic heritage whilst presenting it in a modern form aligned with international sporting standards. Fahad Mohammed Salem bin Kardous Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, affirmed that hosting the event demonstrates the championship’s success in establishing a sustainable sporting showcase that elevates falcon racing’s presence internationally.
Work is progressing steadily through coordination meetings between the Higher Organizing Committee and Bahrain’s Committee for Folk Heritage Sports. Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary General of both the International Federation and UAE Falcons Federation, confirmed that the championship is consolidating its position as a sustainable international sporting project, with updates being introduced to enhance the experience for participants.
The Emirates Falcon Racing International Cup stands as the first international championship bearing the UAE’s name to be held outside its borders. Established to advance falcon racing globally, consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading destination for the sport, and enhance falconry’s presence on international sporting agendas, the championship will be held annually across different continents.
Source: WAM