Emirates Falcons International Cup to Launch as Annual Global Event from 2025-26
The Emirates Falcons International Cup is set to become an annual falconry championship starting with the 2025-2026 season. This milestone comes under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE Falcons Federation has officially approved the international championship, which will be held across multiple continents, marking the first time a UAE-branded falconry event will take place outside the country.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Emirates Falcons International Cup |
| Launch Season | 2025-2026 |
| Patronage | Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Approval Body | UAE Falcons Federation |
| Global Reach | Multi-continental events, outside UAE for the first time |
| Objective | Promote falconry worldwide, preserve Emirati heritage, advance competitive sportsmanship |
Promoting Emirati Heritage
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emphasized the UAE leadership’s commitment to preserving authentic Emirati culture through falconry, highlighting its status as a global symbol of heritage. He noted that international sporting events under UAE patronage offer a contemporary model for cultural preservation and sports excellence.
UAE Sets New Global Benchmarks in Falconry
The Emirates Falcons International Cup aims to:
- Elevate falconry as a recognized global sport
- Encourage sustainability and growth in international communities
- Inspire competitive excellence through UAE-backed events
- Celebrate decades of heritage initiatives launched by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Sheikh Ahmed added that UAE’s innovative strategies have made the country a worldwide hub for falconry, successfully taking the sport to international platforms.
International Recognition & Participation
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE Falcons Federation, highlighted that associating the UAE’s name with major falconry events motivates participants to deliver peak performance.
His Excellency Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, praised the UAE’s structured approach in reviving falconry’s global appeal, emphasizing its deep cultural connection and competitive value.
Looking Ahead
The Emirates Falcons International Cup will select host countries based on readiness and compliance with championship standards. Detailed information will be shared at an upcoming press conference organized by the UAE Falcons Federation.
This annual championship is expected to solidify the UAE’s leadership role in global falconry, inspire sporting excellence, and preserve a key aspect of Emirati cultural heritage.
