The 9th edition of Fakhr Al Ajyal (Pride of Generations) Falconry Championship, where a record number of elite falconers are expected to participate, will run from January 30 until February 16 at Dubai’s Al Ruwayyah desert area.

Over the years, the annual falconry championship, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), has grown in size, popularity and prestige. It is now recognised as the second highly-anticipated annual gathering of the best falconers from across the UAE, GCC and beyond.

Fakhr Al Ajyal will kick off on Saturday and Sunday (January 30, 31) in the RC Airplane Category to be followed by Sheikhs Category the following day (February 1).

From February 1 to 4, the Sheikhs and Falcon Owners’ categories will have races for Jeer Shaheen, Jeer Teba, Hurr Farkh, and Garmousha (Farkh and Jirnas).

The Open Category will run from February 5-8 with races in Jeer Shaheen, Jeer Teba, Hurr Jeer, Hurr Farkh, and Garmousha (Farkh and Jirnas) while the Juniors Category is scheduled on February 13.

All eyes will be on the upcoming Al Noukhba (Elite) on February 14, where only falcons that won in previous races are qualified to compete and win huge prizes.

The concluding competitions will be from February 15-16 for the GCC Category. A record number of elite falconers from the region are expected to participate in the various races for Farkh and Jirnas falcons.

Meanwhile, there will also be races for the UAE Falconers League, a collaboration between the HHC and Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, during the Fakhr Al Ajyal from February 9-10.

Health and safety

Demaithan bin Suwaidan, Head of the Fazza Championships Committee for Falconry, noted: “To ensure safety and prevention from the COVID-19 pandemic, falconers and their company are instructed to follow all precautionary measures, including wearing of face mask and frequent washing of hands. Registration for the annual falconry championship can be done at the venue or via the F3 Championships smart app. The falconers are urged to complete their registration process and convey their feedback to further improve the competition”.