A Bid to Preserve Falconry – the Traditional UAE Sport
A two day International Festival of Falconry at Englefield Estate is beginning today. International conservationists, policy makers and scientists will hold high profile meetings with the Emirates Falconers Club in Berkshire, UK. The festival is aimed at generating public awareness about the threats to this traditional sport. For this purpose, a simulation of a typical UAE village has been created in the deer park of the Englefield Estate. It recreates the magic of old Emirates, with camels, Bedouin tents, salukis (hunting dogs) and falcons completing the picture. Visitors will get to meet falconers and conservation experts from the UAE. Falconers from around 30 countries will be showcasing their talent in the festival.
Falconry is one of the traditional pastimes of Dubai since ages. The origin of falconry dates back to more than 2000 years. At first, falcons were used for hunting hares, bustards and houbara in order to obtain meat. It was also a way of life for tribal leaders wherein they would engage in this entertainment activity during the day and in the evening, they would spend time with their subjects around the campfire. As hunting companions to saluki hunting dogs, falcons were also used in taking down gazelles.
The capturing, taming and training of falcons require tremendous patience, skill and courage. To ensure a proper handling of the birds, there are a number of federal and emirate laws in place. Under the Emirates Bird Ringing Scheme, a microchip is inserted under each bird’s skin and a ring with a unique identification number is fitted on its leg. This enables scientists and conservationists in keeping a track of the birds and their migratory patterns. A couple of years ago, a campaign to issue passports to these birds was undertaken. This was aimed at checking the illegal trade of falcons.
Today, falconry is an endangered branch of Dubai’s rich cultural legacy. Rapid urbanization in the UAE over the last few years has adversely affected the natural habitat of the falcons. Moreover, new falconers do not respect the codes of practising this sport and also indulge in over-hunting. This has posed a threat to these beautiful birds as well as to the cultural offshoot of the game itself.
In order to preserve this sport for posterity’s sake, the UAE government is working in collaboration with UNESCO for imbuing falconry with the status of a cultural heritage across the globe and attracting more Dubai holiday makers for this reason.
Hello,
I’m looking for UAE falcon enthusiasts who would be willing to participate and also sponsor, if possible, a project of a well known Austrian filmmaker. He wants to make a documentary about history of falconry and today’s realities.
If you can help pls drop me an email viennawaltz@gmx.net
Thank you
Hello, I have thirty years falconry exprience, Is there any employment opportunities for an american falconer? in Dubai or the middle East? I have worked as a proffesional falconer before and would like to come to the middle east for falconry purposes.I am very good with even problem birds, my standards are very high, Please forward to me contacts or information as to prospective employers. I thank you very much. Dean Krakauer
Hi,
We as Digiphoto Gulf are an entertainment & imaging service company, working from many of the theme parks here in Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia.
We currently are looking for someone to provide Falconry Services at some of our locations.
Have seen you post on line, and wondered if you were still in the market.
Please do respond if this could be of interest to you.
Many thanks
Debbie Marchbank
Asst Manager Procurement
+971 504506423
The UAE has been known for its falconry, quite good to know, various people are interested.
i would like to know how much it will coast me to join falconry club in dubai
one of my friends want to join it.