The birds of prey will again soar high and fast as the new season of Fazza Championship for Falconry–Telwah, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), will kick off on Tuesday, December 28, in Al Ruwayyah, Dubai.

Over the years, the Fazza Championship for Falconry–Telwah (lure in Arabic) has a grown in size, popularity and prestige. The sport of falconry takes its roots back to 2,000 years ago when it was practiced by the Bedouins in the wider Arabian Peninsula as a form of hunting. Now it is one of the UAE’s oldest and most honoured heritage sports.

Rashid Al Khasouni, HHC Director of Championships, noted registration for the Fazza Championship for Falconry has concluded and the Championship Committee has finished installing smart rings on the participating falcons.

He also welcomed all participants and noted all the necessary needs for them are provided and all standards that guarantee health and safety will be implemented.

*Arabian heritage*

Al Khasouni underlined: “The new season will be highly competitive and challenging. Falconry, as a traditional sport, has always been associated with the traditional Arabian values of courage, honour and nobility as well as nature conservation, respect for animals and the camaraderie among falconers. These are the values that we promoting at this sport – it is also a celebration of our heritage that is passed on from many generations.”

*Schedule of Fazza Championship for Falconry–Telwah*

>December 28-31: General Public – Farkh and Jirnas

>January 6-9: Farkh and Jirnas for categories Jeer Shaheen, Jeer Tebaa, Pure Jeer and Garmousha

>January 10-13: Farkh and Jirnas for Hurr and Shaheen

>January 14: Juniors category

> 15-16 January: GCC nationals, Farkh and Jirnas for categories Jeer Shaheen, Jeer Tebaa, Pure Jeer and Garmousha

>January 30 – February 16: 3rd Fakhr Al-Ajyal Championship for Falconry-Telwah