Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, and President of the UAE Falcons Federation, congratulated the UAE Falcons Federation Team on being crowned champions of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing Cup for the second consecutive year. The team set three world records during the third edition of the Cup titled 'Masters Heats', affirming the UAE's leadership in the sport.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed stated that the victory reflects a clear vision to elevate heritage sport to the global stage as a professional competition. It highlights the power of sustained institutional efforts to strengthen the country's position as a global hub for falconry sports and racing. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing and Vice President of the UAE Falcons Federation, also congratulated the UAE Falcons Federation Team on their performance in the Cup. He noted that the achievement reflects the leadership's support and the efforts of technical and administrative teams.
Held at the Lehbab track in Dubai, the third edition of the Cup was held over a 400-metre distance. The UAE Falcons Federation Team's achievement follows the introduction of a new world-record system for falcon racing at the event. The team secured first place and set world records in three heats: the Jeer Shaheen heat with a time of 15.991 seconds, the Pure Jeer heat with 16.784 seconds, and the Jeer Taba heat with 17.399 seconds. The Al-Gannas Al Qatari Society claimed first place and set a world record in the Qarmousha heat with 17.085 seconds.
In the overall standings, the UAE Falcons Federation team finished first with a total of 93 points. The Bahrain Kingdom team was second with 69 points, followed by Al-Gannas Al Qatari Society with 65 points. The Oman Falcon Racing Team ranked fourth with 40 points, while the Kuwait Falconers and Traditional Games Association came fifth with 24 points. The third edition saw participation from 27 teams from 25 countries competing in four heats: Pure Jeer, Jeer Shaheen, Qarmousha, and Jeer Taba.
The event was attended by Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the UAE Falcons Federation and Secretary-General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing; Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of Dubai Sports Council; Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Managing Director of the Supreme Organising Committee for Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026; and other notable figures. A special gesture during the awards ceremony saw Aref Al Awani honour Argentine falconer Hector Ricardo, the oldest participant at 75, for his contribution.
Rashid bin Markhan provided an overview of the tournament's development since its launch in 2023 under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the close follow-up of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The inaugural edition featured 16 teams, rising to 23 in the second edition, and expanding to 27 teams in the third edition. Bin Markhan emphasised that the UAE has become a model for organising heritage sporting events, reflecting a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
He praised the organising teams for their efforts in ensuring the championship's success, held in the UAE for the third year. The event gained significance after its results were incorporated into the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 programme, reinforcing international recognition of falconry as a sport. The championship adopted the official world-record system for falcon racing, establishing an international registry for the fastest recorded falcon race times.
Owners of falcons that achieved record times received official international certificates from the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, serving as documentation of achievement suitable for international forums.
