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The Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcons Contest

The first to launch this purposeful initiative, and from here, the idea moved to several other countries.


Abu Dhabi, June 5, 2021

The Higher Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announced the launch of a new edition of the ‘The Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcons’ contest, which has achieved wide international fame and attracted many participants who are keen annually to present their best captive-bred falcons from falcon farms in the region and the world.

The contest has earned the appreciation of regional and international entities concerned with preserving heritage and protecting the environment, for motivating falconers to preserve wild falcons. The contest includes several categories including: Most Beautiful Pure Gyr, Most Beautiful Gyr Peregrine, Most Beautiful Three Quatro Saker Gyr Falcon (3/4), and Most Beautiful Pure Gyr Male.

A jury made up of Emirati and international experts in the field of falcons and falcon breeding is responsible for carefully evaluating the participating falcons based on several criteria such as, the weight and body measurements of the birds, the symmetry and colour of the feathers, the details of the birds’ head, body and legs, the general aesthetic appearance of the bird, as well as their health and the absence of any diseases.

As in previous editions of ADIHEX, the Higher Organizing Committee is holding a the contest ‘Best Stand in the Falconry Sector’ for falcons and falconry equipment in order to motivate exhibitors to add creative touches to their pavilions.

The falconry sector, including the manufacturing and designing of falconry equipment, add great importance to the upcoming edition. It is one of the most prominent sectors that enthusiasts await every year since commencement of ADIHEX in 2003. Additionally, it has become one of the major attractions for all attendees and a key factor in the exhibition’s success throughout the years.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 18th edition of ADIHEX will be held from September 27 to October 3, 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The exhibition is Organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and officially sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, stressed that the innovative competitions that are annually launched during ADIHEX have made the Emirate of Abu Dhabi a leader in the field of events that seek to preserve cultural heritage, conserve wildlife, and protect the environment.

The contest of the most beautiful and largest captive-bred falcons comes at the forefront of these contests. ADIHEX was the first to launch this unique event in the world, then this idea was moved to many other countries.

The contest aims to encourage falconers to use captive-bred falcons in the practice of their favourite sport, and to incentivise falcon breeding experts and their farms to produce larger and more beautiful falcons in terms of feathers and colour. By doing so, they eliminate the need to utilise untamed falcons from the wild, thereby allowing them to reproduce more in nature.

It is worth noting that "Sustainability and Heritage ... A Reborn Aspiration" has been chosen as the theme for ADIHEX 2021. This is in recognition of the efforts exerted by Abu Dhabi and the world to enhance the environmental sustainability of hunting, heritage sports and related businesses. It also aligns with the comprehensive strategy that has been formulated to develop the event and invent more events and activities that build on the successes of the past editions, in a creative renewed spirit.

Many falcon breeders, specialists in falcon breeding and training , in addition to manufacturers and innovators of falconry tools and equipment from the Middle East and all over the world are keen to participate in ADIHEX, which became a unique destination for all falconers around the world, an attractive hub for falcon breeders, and a forum for consultation and exchange of experiences regarding the world of falconry and sustainable hunting.

ADIHEX is visited annually by people of different nationalities and age groups, both individuals and families. Attendees can enjoy traditional falconry displays, the platforms dedicated to captive-bred falcons bred and fascinating heritage contests.

Regional and international companies participate in the exhibition and showcase the latest technologies related to falconry as well as both ancient and modern falconry equipment, in addition to companies that provide treatment and pharmaceuticals to birds, as well as associations and clubs that specialise in breeding, training and hunting with falcons. These clubs and associations are affiliated with the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, which has 75,000 members representing 110 clubs and institutions from 87 countries.

 

All applications with the completed form of each competition must be submitted by e-mail to the Emirates Falconers’ Club  at competitions@adihex.com

For more information:

Ranim Shehade / EFC

00971 – 2 – 6934444 / ext. 370

pr@adihex.com

Mr. Omar Ahmed

00971506146544

Projects Director / Emirates Falconers Club, Abu Dhabi