UAE launches annual Emirates Falcons International Cup

The UAE Falcons Federation has approved the launch of the Emirates Falcons International Cup, an international falconry championship set to be held annually from the 2025-2026 season. 

The championship will be the first of its kind to sport the UAE’s name and be held outside its borders and was approved under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, 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, President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing.

Hosting rights of the championship will be awarded to the country that "demonstrates the highest readiness and compliance with the championship’s criteria and conditions among the members of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing."

Finer details are expected to be announced at a later date. 

The championship aims to elevate falconry and associated sports on the global sporting scene while upholding the highest standards of the sport and consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading destination for falconry.

It also seeks to promote and preserve falconry’s rich heritage.

These objectives are to be achieved through organising international events that "foster the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition while advancing sustainability and growing the popularity of the sport in countries and communities worldwide by featuring it prominently in their respective sporting calendars."

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad noted that associating the UAE’s name with major falconry sporting events lends such championships a distinctive character and motivates participants to deliver their best performances and achieve impressive results, given the prestige attached to sporting events named after the homeland.