Dubai
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the emirate of the same name. It is the base of the UAE Falcons Federation and hosts the Mohammed bin Rashid Falconry Cup, held in the desert at Al Ruwayyah.
The story of Dubai
Dubai is first mentioned in 1095 in the Book of Geography by Abu Abdullah al-Bakri, and the Venetian merchant Gasparo Balbi noted its pearling industry in 1580. In 1822 a British naval surveyor recorded about 1,000 residents in a walled town.
In 1833 members of the Al Bu Falasah tribe left Abu Dhabi and settled there under Obeid bin Saeed and Maktoum bin Butti, and the Al Maktoum family has ruled since. A treaty with Britain in 1892 placed Dubai's security under British responsibility, and in 1901 it became a free port.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler from 1958, funded new infrastructure from trade revenue. Oil was found offshore in 1966, with revenue flowing from 1969. On 2 December 1971 Dubai joined the United Arab Emirates.
Falconry in Dubai
The UAE Falcons Federation, formed in 2021 by Decision No. 26 of the General Authority of Sports, is an independent body based in Dubai. It oversees falconry events and competitions and represents the UAE in international contests. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chairs its board.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Falconry Cup, previously known as the Fakhr Al Ajyal Championship, held its first edition under that name from 30 January to 15 February 2023 at Al Ruwayyah in Dubai.
The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center organised it, with a prize pool above Dh23 million and about 700 falconers entering more than 3,000 birds. National Geographic reports that falcon racing was introduced in the early 2000s by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
National Geographic reports that falcon racing in the UAE was introduced in the early 2000s by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
National GeographicThe Mohammed bin Rashid Falconry Cup, first held under that name in 2023, was previously the Fakhr Al Ajyal Championship.
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- Dubai (Wikipedia)
- Gulf News, Mohammed bin Rashid Falconry Cup
- Gulf News, UAE Falcons Federation board
- National Geographic, Protecting falcons
Facts on this page come from the sources below, checked on the date of writing. Check with the organiser before travelling.