Under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of both the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation, the Etihad Cup for Falcon Races will commence on December 13. Organized by the UAE Falcons Federation, the event will run through December 20.
The championship includes 19 races across four categories: Pure Jeer, Jeer Shaheen, Qarmoosha, and Jeer Taba. Trophies will be awarded in three competition segments: Sheikhs, Open Public, and Owners.
Now in its fourth year, the Etihad Cup continues to highlight falconry as a national sport and preserve Emirati cultural heritage. The competition brings together elite falconers, aiming to raise performance standards, professionalize local championships, and set benchmarks for other national events.
His Excellency Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing and of the UAE Falcons Federation, described the Etihad Cup as a leading event in falcon racing. He credited its growth to the strategic support of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed and the oversight of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of both federations, noting increased participation and enhanced operational standards each year.
The Etihad Cup, first held in 2022, has since become the UAE Falcons Federation’s flagship annual championship. The Farkh category refers to the age group of participating falcons. Winners in each race receive cash prizes, with the top three in each Cup race and the top ten in qualifying races awarded monetary rewards.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Oksana Bozhko
