ABU DHABI // Falcon experts will choose the biggest and most beautiful birds of the breed in a contest at an exhibition in the capital next month.
The Emirates Falconers’ Club has organised the World’s Falcons Beauty Contest to take place at this year’s International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.
The club invited falconers to take part in the competition in which the birds will be judged in four categories, including best gyr-peregrine hybrid bred in captivity and best pure gyr. Another category will award the best falconry stand.
The judging committee comprises international falcon experts.
The falcons are judged on their weight, measurements, feather consistency and colour, and head, body and leg features. They should also be healthy and free of disease.
Falconry was once an important way of obtaining food. Nowadays it is a traditional activity that requires a bond with the birds and a commitment to breeding, training, handling and flying them, according to Unesco.
The UN heritage body named falconry a living human heritage in 2010.
Falconry is also an inspiration for traditional dress, food, songs, music, poetry and dance in the UAE.
The club will also educate visitors about the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, an initiative by the founding father of the country.
The programme, launched in 1995, was set up to protect the birds and their prey.
The hunting exhibition will take place from September 10 to 13 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre.
Other events at the exhibition include an Arabic coffee-brewing competition, a painting competition and an Arabian Saluki beauty contest.
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