Falconry in KSA and the Arab world

[Desertfalcon]

Falconer Hendri Du Toit prepares a drone quadcopter with bird meat bait attached via a parachute on a string to train the birds to hunt, in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. — Reuters​

DUBAI — A South African falconer in Dubai’s desert is shaking up the ancient sport of falconry, marrying one of Arabia’s most cherished customs with the cutting edge world of drones and tiny cameras.

The use of drones by American falconers is becoming popular as well. I'll try to watch the video when I have more time. Thanks!

 

[Al-Andalus]

Falconry, a living human heritage​

United Arab Emirates, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syrian Arab Republic

Inscribed in 2016 (11.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

© International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd / Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority 2015​

Originally a method of obtaining food, the practice of falconry has evolved over time to be more associated with nature conservation, cultural heritage and social engagement within and amongst communities. Following their own set of traditions and ethical principles, falconers train, fly and breed birds of prey (which includes besides falcons, birds such as eagles and hawks) developing a bond with them and becoming their main source of protection. The practice, present in many countries around the world, may vary regarding certain aspects, for example the type of equipment used but the methods remain similar. Falconers regard themselves as a group and may travel weeks at a time engaging in the practice, while in the evenings recounting stories of the day together. They consider falconry as providing a connection to the past, particularly for communities for which the practice is one of their few remaining links with their natural environment and traditional culture. Knowledge and skills are transmitted in an intergenerational manner within families by formal mentoring, apprenticeship or training in clubs and schools. In some countries, a national examination must be passed in order to become a falconer. Field meets and festivals provide opportunities for communities to share knowledge, raise awareness and promote diversity.

http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/falconry-a-living-human-heritage-01209

 

[Saif al-Arab]

UAE opens world's first school to teach Arab falconry traditions
Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School officially inaugurated in Al Ain City​

By Staff writer
Saturday, 24 December 2016 11:27 AM

(AFP/Getty Images)

Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, the first institution in the world to teach original Arab falconry traditions, rules and ethics, has been officially inaugurated in Al Ain City.

Named after Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the project was launched in 2014 to educate future generations about deep-rooted heritage and history of the UAE and the wider Arabian Peninsula.

The school seeks to increase awareness of the value of falconry as an art and asset of the common human heritage, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and president of the Emirates Falconers’ Club in comments published by news agency WAM.

The inauguration, marked by welcoming the first batch of students to the new school, is a "historic event" and a "proud addition" to the UAE’s achievements, added Majed Ali Al Mansouri, executive director of Emirates Falconers’ Club.

"The opening of the school, purpose-built according to the world’s highest standards and specifications, is part of what the UAE continues to offer to the world. Soon, it will be an educational lighthouse for all types of heritage," he said.

Theoretical lessons and practical training will be given in the open in the desert using state-of-the-art educational tools and methods to underline the school’s commitment to the authentic traditions and rules of Arab falconry and physiognomy, Al Mansouri added.

Last year, the UAE chose a falcon design for its Pavilion for Dubai World Expo 2020. The design will be inspired by a falcon in flight and will represent the UAE to the 25 million visitors and participants from over 180 nations who are expected to visit the Expo from October 2020 to April 2021.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-...ol-teach-arab-falconry-traditions-657124.html

 

[Saif al-Arab]

A look at majestic art of falconry in UAE​

Angel Tesorero/Dubai
Filed on January 14, 2017 | Last updated on January 14, 2017 at 06.18 am

(Photos by Neeraj Murali)

Falconry has also been one of the country's oldest and more enduring traditions.

Fierce, fast and majestic - the falcon has played a significant part in the rich Arab history and culture. It is the UAE's national bird, symbolising courage, strong will and determination, as well as grace and pride.

Falconry has also been one of the country's oldest and more enduring traditions. With the passing of time and despite the fast economic evolution the nation has gone through, the sport still has not lost its appeal. It is in fact thriving and gaining popularity not just among the older generation but is also a fascinating sport for youngsters.


"We have every intention of safeguarding our historical pastimes and pursuits by passing them down from generation to generation," said Souad Ibrahim Darwish, the director of championships at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC).

The largest and most popular among the series of falconry championships, the Fazza Championship for Falconry, organised by the HHC, concluded its 17th edition on Thursday at a dedicated site in Dubai's Ruwayyah area, off Emirates Road.

Children as young as four-years-old could be seen bucking up the participants as elite contenders from across the region competed in various categories and groups. The competition did not just showcase the immense talents of Emiratis in falconry but also promoted Emirati culture, values and traditions both at regional and international levels.

"(The competition) was aimed at preserving the art of hunting live prey due to its cultural significance as one of the most important means of sustaining a livelihood throughout the Arabian Gulf in ancient times in Arab heritage," Darwish explained.

Although falconry today is practised mostly as a sport, it is one of the most treasured traditions that the UAE aims at preserving for future generations.

angel@khaleejtimes.com

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/majestic-art-of-falconry

@Khafee

Brother, check this thread out and especially post 93. A very good decision by UAE.