Falcon
Falconry was a significant way of hunting for Bedouin in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the larger Arabian Peninsula in a region with few resources. Nonetheless, it’s function in society has evolved over time. Falcons have historically been utilised for both war and survival all throughout the world. To train the falcon to hunt daily as a companion is an art that Bedouins tribe across the Empty Quarter learned for their survival, living in the desert. The bird’s speed was known amongst all as the fastest and their hunting second to none. As time has evolved, today, Falconry has become one of the UAE’s most honoured traditional sports.
Falcons in
Falconry’s revered status originate from the sport’s associations with courage, honor, and nobility - prized traditional Arab values - as well as its links to nature conservation, animal respect, and falconer comradery.
As said, to train a falcon is an art. Falconers use special handmade equipment, a leather forearm guard, as we call it Mangalah, is worn by the falconer as a perch for the bird between hunting and training flights. Al Sabbuq, is the two pieces of thread attached to the bird, making sure that they will not fly outside of their training time, with Al Burgu, their head cover, making them easier to adjust with new environment.
Falconry allows our youngsters to experience the enchantment of the desert, integrating them with the virtues of patience and fortitude, willpower and companionship, values that are as important today as they have been for generations,” says His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
Saker falcon
Colour and pattern of Saker falcon has a range from chocolate brown to a pale sandy ochre with brown streaks, to almost pure white. This small and powerful bird of prey has a broad wingspan. Their sharp, curved talons feature is used for grasping the prey, while their strong, hooked beak is used to tear the prey.
Peregrine falcon
A smaller species yet the faster out of all known falcon breeds in the wild, with lifespan of up to 13 years.