Abu Dhabi falcon competition to find the most beautiful bird

From the colour of feathers to wingspan, the most beautiful captive-bred falcon pageant returns

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) has announced the launch of a new edition of the "Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcons" contest. WAM

Participants will present their best captive-bred falcons from farms in the region and elsewhere.

A jury comprising Emirati and international experts assesses the falcons based on criteria such as weight, symmetry and colour of feathers and the general aesthetic appearance of the bird.

Because the falconers present birds bred in captivity, the need to use untamed falcons from the wild is eliminated, allowing for more reproduction in their natural habitat.

Falcons will be back at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition this year for the most beautiful bird pageant.

The October 2 contest will draw falcons and their owners from around the world to compete for the title of "most beautiful captive-bred falcon".

Competition will be fierce across the three main categories: most beautiful saker; most beautiful gyr; and most beautiful gyr peregrine. Birds are assessed on several criteria, such as weight and body measurements; symmetry and colour of the feathers; the details of the head, body and legs; the general aesthetic appearance; and health and absence of disease.

Majid Al Mansouri, chairman of the Adihex higher organising committee and secretary general of the Emirates Falconers Club, said Abu Dhabi was a leader in safeguarding cultural heritage, conserving wildlife and protecting the environment.

"Adihex was the first to launch this unique event in the world, and through it, the idea of this contest was transferred to many countries," Mr Mansouri said.

The hunting of wild animals, including falcons, was banned in the UAE in 1978, but illegal smuggling of birds stolen from the wild is a global problem. Since then the UAE has sought to conserve wildlife and protect falcons in the wild with programmes that promote captive-bred falcons.

UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. launched programmes to breed the species in captivity.

The President, Sheikh Mohamed, launched the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund to support initiatives protecting endangered birds of prey globally, falcons and other species.

Adihex runs in Abu Dhabi from September 26 to October 2.

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