UAE's new falconry charter honours Sheikh Zayed's legacy

The UAE has unveiled the 'Sheikh Zayed Principles of Falconry' Charter, a new framework to guide the development of falconry and strengthen the country's leadership in the traditional sport.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing (IFFSR) and President of the UAE Falcons Federation, directed the launch of the charter. 

It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the International Conference on Falconry and Conservation, first held in Abu Dhabi in 1976.

Sheikh Ahmed said the charter reflects pride in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his vision for preserving falconry, promoting its authentic values and strengthening its role as a symbol of national identity.

The charter will serve as a comprehensive reference for the development of falconry and guide the UAE Falcons Federation's championships, initiatives and programmes.

It is built around ten core principles, including compassion for falcons, safeguarding heritage, passing knowledge to future generations, protecting biodiversity, promoting sporting integrity and encouraging dialogue between cultures.

The UAE Falcons Federation will use the charter to help shape its championships and initiatives during the 2026-2027 sporting season, with a focus on preparing young falconers, broadening participation and enhancing the sustainability of the sport.

The document will also be presented to the board of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, which will consider adopting its principles to guide the development of falconry at the international level.

Ahmed bin Mohammed directs the launch of the ‘Sheikh Zayed Principles of Falconry’ Charter to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Conference on Falconry and Conservation, the inaugural edition of which was held in Abu Dhabi. The Charter sets out 10 principles that… pic.twitter.com/sjtaQMWLvv

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 26, 2026

The UAE Falcons Federation's 2026–2027 calendar of championships and initiatives opens with preliminary Talwah (lure) races ahead of the falcon racing seasons in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, over 300 metres from November 4 to 7 and over 400 metres from November 18 to 23, followed by participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition in Al Ain from November 25 to 29.

Bahrain will host the second edition of the Emirates Falcon Racing International Cup from December 2 to 5, while Dubai will stage the UAE Falcons Federation Cup from December 7 to 14, and the IFFSR Cup on December 18-19.

Competitive events will continue in Dubai with the Fazza Falcon Racing Cup on January 12, 2027, and the season concludes on January 14 with the National Production Shield falcon racing rounds.

The ‘Sheikh Zayed Principles of Falconry’ Charter is founded on 10 core ideas:

1. Compassion for the falcon is a non-negotiable foundation of falconry — its dignity and safety come before any competitive or commercial goal.

2. The heritage of our forefathers is the true guarantee that the knowledge of falconry lives on across generations, preserving a national and cultural identity that must pass intact to those who follow us.

3. Falconry is a universal human language and a bridge of communication, friendship and cooperation between peoples and cultures — an open heritage, cultural and sporting umbrella that cannot be confined to a single identity.

4. Protecting falcons and conserving their natural habitats is an irrevocable commitment; preserving ecological balance and biodiversity is essential to the continuity of falconry and its legacy for future generations.

5. One's word governs every race; fair competition and sporting integrity extend the honour of the word for which falconers are known, and no victory has value without honesty and fairness.

6. Documenting the oral knowledge and traditional practices of falconry is a national responsibility; protecting this heritage from being lost is a duty to our history and a right of future generations.

7. Falconry institutions are committed to the highest standards of transparency, disclosure and accountability; international trust in this system can only be built on sound governance, clear management and institutional responsibility.

8. The UAE is a home for falconry and an arena open to all — men and women, young and experienced — united by their passion and given fair and equal opportunities to take part and excel.

9. Science, research and modern technology are pillars of falconry's future; they must be used to develop traditional practices, preserve this heritage and strengthen its sustainability for people, the falcon, and nature.

10. The UAE's global leadership in falcon sports is a responsibility before it is an achievement; it is sustained only by developing falcon racing to unified international standards and an ethical value system that reinforces responsibility and respects nature.