The 4th edition of the Sharjah Falconers Club Championship – Telwah, organised with the support of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), saw strong participation from 165 falconers with 391 birds competing over first two days.

Held as part of the UAE’s 49th National Day celebration, the competition started on Wednesday (December 2) and will conclude on Saturday (December 5).

The Sharjah Falconers Club Championship has proven a major attraction to falconers from across the UAE and GCC countries as they gathered for the four-day falcon racing at Sharjah’s Maliha desert area.  The event likewise achieved a record in technical and competitive levels as it was held on a new track ‘Al-Sinah’, which is the first of its kind in the world, whereby the falcons fly a specific distance of 400 meters along a straight path in the wind’s direction.

Abdulaziz Bin Sultan Al Ali, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Falconers Club and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Championship, thanked the falconers participating in the championship and praised them for their efforts in preserving and promoting the UAE heritage sport.

He noted the success of the championship was evident in the big number of participants. “The championship, now only in its fourth year, has grown big from year to year. It has also attracted strong participation from falconers inside and outside the UAE,” he added.

Positive response from falconers

Falconers were likewise satisfied with the special arrangements done by the Organizing Committee. Juma Abdullah said organisers were able to adjust and implement the necessary precautionary measures in light of the prevailing health condition in the world

Falconer Humaid Mohammed Al Tayer also expressed his appreciation in holding the falcon racing as it motivates them to continue their path in the traditional sport and strive for excellence.

Race continues

The competition will conclude on Saturday with races in various categories, including Pure Jeer, Qarmoosha Jeer (adult falcons), Jeer Farkh (under one year of age) and Jirnas (over one year).

Souad Ibrahim Darwish, Director of Championships at HHC, commented: “Through the years, falconry has become more popular in the UAE. Once an integral part of Bedouin life, it has evolved into a highly skilled sport, with big rewards for those highly-skilled at training their birds of prey.”

She added: “The tournaments have become more and more sophisticated. One of the many achievements of the HHC has been to raise awareness among the general public about heritage sports, including falconry – and we look forward to more success and championships in the coming months.”