Falconry: An iconic symbol of the UAE

• History
• Culture
• Husbandry and Sportsmanship
• Conservation

Falconry has a long history of being an essential part of the UAE’s culture. This esteemed and time-honored tradition is the essence of cultural pride emerging from falcon husbandry, sportsmanship and conservation practiced in the region. This historical practice in which falcons are painstakingly trained to hunt prey and return to their handlers demonstrates the virtues of respect, determination and patience.

HISTORY

Falconry is one of the original hunting techniques that requires interdependence between humans and these special birds. The hunting sport has been practiced around the world for nearly 4,000 years, as a means of survival as well as a backdrop in the political arena.

• Falcons have a history of being essential hunting partners for families and have often been treated as household members.
• Men found brotherhood with each other and nature through falconry.
• Kings used falcon hunts as fact-finding missions to keep abreast with events in their territories.
• Wealthy people enjoyed the liberty this hunting sport provided. It afforded them opportunities to discuss politics while on the hunt.

CULTURE

People of the UAE are immensely proud of their heritage of falconry. Ancient falconry displayed the virtues of persistence, respect, honour and fortitude. Modern-day falconry can be considered to be as much of an art as a sport, encompassing falcon races as well as beauty contests. Emiratis are passionate about keeping falconry alive. The falcon is so adored that it is the national bird of the UAE.

• Images of revered falcons can be seen adorning licenses, official documents and the national coat of arms.
• Prize falcons live luxurious lives. They have become so valuable that they have been issued passports.
• In centuries past, chiefs often bejewelled their falcons with gemstones. Falcons have also been the inspiration for many lines of poetry.
• Prize money is awarded to falcons who display great speed, remarkable colour and even the thickest ankles.
• Fathers pass their knowledge on to their sons at a very early age. At tournaments in Dubai and all around the UAE, it is common to see three generations of family members participating.

Curious about the emblems that embody the UAE’s spirit? Check out our blog on National Symbols of UAE and the stories they tell.

HUSBANDRY AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Bedouin people chose falcons as their hunting partners due to their athleticism and adaptability. Peregrine falcons are the fastest animal species on Earth and are able to thrive in the arid environment of the desert. The power of falcons is also impressive. They are capable of capturing a variety of prey, from pigeons to gazelles. Their visual acuity further strengthens their hunting prowess. 

Falconers must be kind, committed and disciplined when training falcons, as the birds stay with their trainers throughout this intense process. During training, the birds are slowly introduced to new environments and conditioned to perform the required tasks. Special equipment is needed for birds and handlers alike. Falconers take the care and training of their birds very seriously, as injured or lost birds are both material and emotional misfortunes.

• Falcons can fly as fast as 242 mph. Their anatomy allows them to flap their wings as many as four times per second. They are capable of travelling 15,000 miles in a year.
• Incredible eyesight allows falcons to target prey from distances of up to two miles. Remarkably, these birds have transparent eyelids, affording them eye protection without interfering in their vision.
• Falcons are intelligent creatures that can be trained to bring prey to their handler without killing it.
• During training, falcons sit on a wooden block or the protected hand of the handler.
• A hood is placed over the falcon’s head, minimising visual distraction. The visual field is revealed gradually.
• A braided rope encircles the falcon’s ankles, providing the handler control while also allowing some movement for the bird.
• The food for the falcon is controlled by its handler, ensuring the bird will circle back to them.

CONSERVATION

Falconry is closely associated with conservation efforts in the UAE. Falcons are beloved creatures and integral to the national identity of the UAE. They are protected through various conservation endeavours and many organisations exist to honour the legacy and impact of falcons in the UAE.

• Programs reintegrate birds into the wild each year so that native flocks remain intact. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE, spearheaded the Falcon Release Program in 1995.
• Abu Dhabi is home to a one-of-a-kind falcon hospital and educational centre.
• More than USD 27M is spent on falcon conservation efforts annually.
• Natural migratory patterns are studied through the use of location devices to help researchers gain insight into the behaviour of these birds.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• The Tradition of Falconry in Dubai: A Living Human Heritage
• Falconry: The UAE’s Most Sacred Sport
• How the United Arab Emirates Became the Center of Falconry’s Gyre
• Famous Traditional Sports in the UAE
• A History of Falconry
• Falconry in the UAE
• Inside the Lucrative World of Middle Eastern Falconry
• About the Abu Dhabi Falconry Festival
• Ten Fun Facts About Falcons
• About the Sport of Falconry
• Falcons in the UAE Issued Passports
• Falconry in the UAE: A Heritage Symbol
• UAE Opens World’s First School to Teach Arab Falconry Traditions
• Using Drones to Train Hunting Falcons in Dubai
• The Easy Way of Distinguishing Between Hawks and Falcons
• Dubai Turns to Falcons to Curb Pigeon Problem