Falconry at sunset in the Abu Dhabi desert - in pictures

Enthusiasts met ahead of the emirate's Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which happens later this year

The Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition this year will include a poetry competition with birds as the subject. All pictures Wam

The poetry competition is expected to feature poetry that describes beautiful birds, hunting with the falcons and even the loss of a hunting bird.

The Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from September 27 to October 3.

Breeding falcons and hunting with them is a time-honoured tradition in Emirati life.

Falconry is a popular sport throughout the Middle East and the UAE has thousands of enthusiasts.

The poetry competition will be judged by a panel of leading poets

Sultan Al Amimi at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage says the exhibition is an opportunity to highlight the link between heritage and modern literature.

A group of falconers with their birds.

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