Achievements
From Past to Present...
Milestones in the Journey of the Emirates Falconers' Club
From Foundation to the Silver Jubilee (2001–2026)
2001
Official establishment of the Emirates Falconers' Club.
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- Participation in the Arab Hunting and Adventure Exhibition in Dubai.
- Establishment of the Arabian Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi.
- Commencement of welcoming senior dignitaries and visitors to the Club's headquarters in Sweihan.
- Opening Club membership to falconers from all GCC member states.
2002
Attracting more than 2,000 falconers from the UAE and GCC countries.
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- Participation in the Arab Hunting and Adventure Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Collaboration with the Environment Agency to develop a dedicated registration system for captive-bred falcons.
- Commencement of annual participation in the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme.
- Publication of the first issue of Al Saggar, a specialised heritage and scientific magazine.
- Issuance of the world's first falcon passport, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the UAE.
2003
Membership in the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF).
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- Organisation of the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).
- Launch of the Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcon Competition at ADIHEX.
- Participation in the Symposium on the Saker Falcon Status in the Range States.
- Contribution to the Abu Dhabi Declaration on the Conservation of the Saker Falcon.
2004
Organisation of the second edition of ADIHEX.
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- Launch of the "Falcons Through the Eyes of Painters and Photographers" Competition.
- Supervision of the Heritage Pavilion at the World Aerobatic Championships in Al Ain.
2005
Establishment of the first falconry archive in collaboration with The Peregrine Fund in the United States.
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- Commencement of efforts to compile documents, films, photographs, and publications in support of the inscription of falconry on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- Organisation of the third edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of a special photography exhibition entitled " Zayed: The Gift", featuring rare photographs of Their Highnesses the Sheikhs during falconry expeditions.
- Hosting the General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC).
2006
Inauguration of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Museum in the United States.
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- Extensive promotional campaign for ADIHEX across the GCC countries.
- Organisation of the fourth edition of ADIHEX.
- Expansion of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital from a veterinary facility into a specialised institution.
- Collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage to present Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, and Al Yowlah performances at ADIHEX.
- Participation in the Heritage Exhibition at the World Aerobatic Championships in Al Ain.
2007
Participation in the International Festival of Falconry in Englefield, United Kingdom.
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- Organisation of the fifth edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the inaugural Captive-Bred Falcon Auction.
- Organisation of a competition for the finest Nabati poems on the falcon and falconry expeditions.
- Launch of an educational plan to introduce the sport of falconry and promote awareness of sustainable hunting among school students in the UAE.
2008
Promotional tour for ADIHEX across the GCC countries.
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- Organisation of the sixth edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the second Captive-Bred Falcon Auction.
- Increased participation in the Emirates Falconers' Club competition for the finest Nabati poems on the falcon and falconry expeditions.
- The Al Megnas programme, produced under the supervision of His Highness, the Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, wins the Gold Award for Best Documentary at the Cairo Arab Media Festival.
2009
Organisation of the International Festival of Falconry in Englefield, United Kingdom, in cooperation with the British Hawk Board, and participation alongside several official bodies and authorities in the "Abu Dhabi Village" at the festival.
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- Organisation of the seventh edition of ADIHEX.
- Hosting delegations from UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at ADIHEX.
- Hosting performances by the British Royal Cavalry at ADIHEX.
- Participation in a workshop on the submission of the multinational nomination file for the inscription of falconry on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
2010
Organisation of the eighth edition of ADIHEX.
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- Hosting the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference at ADIHEX for the first time.
- Inscription of falconry on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, followed by the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey commending the UAE's efforts in achieving this milestone.
- Reception of a delegation from the Royal Spanish Falconry Association.
2011
Organisation of the second edition of the International Festival of Falconry (IFF) in Al Ain.
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- Hosting the annual meeting of the Board of The Peregrine Fund.
- Organisation of the ninth edition of ADIHEX.
- Supervision of the falconry competitions at the Al Dhafra Festival.
- The International Falconry Forum in Al Ain reviews ways of safeguarding falconry, training falconers, and the legal frameworks governing falconry.
- Participation in celebrations marking the inscription of falconry on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, at the invitation of the European Parliament's Sub-Committee on Hunting and Sustainable Environmental Protection.
2012
Organisation of the Abu Dhabi Falconry Competitions at Al Wathba, with the participation of more than 600 falconers and 1,100 falcons.
View allView less 2012
- Organisation of the tenth edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the Arabic Coffee Preparation Competition and the Best Nabati Poetry on Falconry Competition, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
- Launch of heritage and cultural radio competitions for the ADIHEX audience.
- Supervision of the falconry competitions at the Al Dhafra Festival across all competition categories.
2013
Launch of the Houbara Distribution Programme for falconers.
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- Organisation of the eleventh edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of another edition of the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest.
- Launch and sponsorship of the Best Falcon Display Stand and Falconry Equipment Competition at ADIHEX.
- Showcasing the International Falconry Archive at the Emirates Falconers' Club pavilion at ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the falconry competition at the Al Dhafra Festival.
2014
Organisation of the third edition of the International Festival of Falconry (IFF) in Abu Dhabi.
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- Announcement of the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School.
- Signing of a cooperation agreement with the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey.
- Representation of the UAE as Guest of Honour at the Tan-Tan Moussem Festival in Morocco.
- Participation in the Al Qawasim Falconry Festival.
- Organisation of the twelfth edition of ADIHEX.
2015
The UAE assumes the position of Vice President of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey for the Middle East and North Africa Region.
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- Organisation of the thirteenth edition of ADIHEX.
- Active participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
- Participation in the Conference, "Falconry: Heritage, History and Medicine,"at New York University Abu Dhabi.
- Participation in the Falconry Festival in El Jadida Province, the Kingdom of Morocco.
2016
Official inauguration of the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School in the Remah area of Al Ain.
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- Development of the Falconry Strategy for the Middle East and North Africa Region.
- Convening of a workshop on the illegal trade in birds of prey.
- Organisation of the fourteenth edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the International Symposium on Falconry in the Middle East and North Africa under the theme "Moving Forward with UNESCO Inscription: Preserving Traditional Values and Finding New Solutions to the Challenges Facing Wildlife."
- The Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi conducts a public opinion survey on falconry in the UAE in partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club.
- Graduation of the first cohort from the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School.
2017
Organisation of the fourth edition of the International Festival of Falconry (IFF).
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- Launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund.
- Launch of the Sheikh Zayed Falconry Heritage Library.
- Organisation of the fifteenth edition of ADIHEX.
- Participation in organising the Sons of Pride Camp, in cooperation with the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office.
- Organisation of an international workshop on the illegal trade in birds of prey.
2018
The UAE wins the Presidency of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey.
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- Signing of a cooperation agreement with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.
- Strengthening Houbara conservation efforts amid the growing success of the Houbara Distribution Programme for falconers since its launch in 2013.
- Support for local and international legislation to combat illegal hunting.
- Organisation of the sixteenth edition of ADIHEX.
- Participation in organising a new edition of the Sons of Pride Camp, in cooperation with the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office
- Participation in the Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition.
2019
Organisation of the Second International Conference on Illegal Trade in Birds of Prey in Abu Dhabi.
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- Organisation of the seventeenth edition of ADIHEX.
- Development of a global falconry strategy in cooperation with the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey.
- Participation in organising a new edition of the Sons of Pride Camp, in cooperation with the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office
- Participation in organising the Al Megnas Programme in the Sweihan desert as part of the Sultan bin Zayed Heritage Festival.
2020
On its twentieth anniversary, the Emirates Falconers' Club received widespread media recognition for its role in safeguarding heritage and promoting sustainable hunting.
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- Celebration of the tenth anniversary of the inscription of falconry on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the number of participating countries doubling to 22.
- Convening of the IAF Annual Council of Delegates Meeting, held virtually.
- Active participation of the Club in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2020–2021.
2021
Organisation of the eighteenth edition of ADIHEX.
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- Organisation of the conference "The Future of Falconry " in cooperation with UNESCO and the IAF.
- Signing of a strategic partnership with the UK's The Game Fair to strengthen the international presence of Emirati falconry and promote the exchange of heritage expertise.
- Re-election of H.E. Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers' Club, as President of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey.
- Significant participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2021–2022.
- The number of countries participating in the UNESCO inscription of falconry rises to 24, making it the largest multinational nomination for intangible cultural heritage in UNESCO's history.
2022
Organisation of the nineteenth edition of ADIHEX.
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- The Falcon Auction achieves success exceeding all expectations at ADIHEX.
- Launch of new competitions in the falconry sector.
- Organisation of the conference "The Significance of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Linking Intangible Cultural Heritage and Wildlife Conservation," in cooperation with UNESCO, the IAF, and the IUCN.
- Celebration of the World Falconry Day on 16 November.
- Participation in the inaugural meeting of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing.
- Participation in the honouring of winners of the UAE Falconry Union Cup Championship in Dubai.
- Participation in organising a new edition of the Sons of Pride Camp, in cooperation with the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office.
- Active participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
2023
Signing of a collaboration agreement with the INPEX JODCO Foundation to strengthen friendship programmes, student exchange, and cultural cooperation between Emirati and Japanese falconers.
View allView less 2023
- Organisation of the twentieth edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the largest captive-bred falcon auction.
- Launch of new contests for the finest falconry equipment at ADIHEX.
- Organisation of the conference "Sustainable Falconry: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-First Century" in cooperation with the IAF.
- Organisation of the conference "The Role of Media in Preserving Falconry and Intangible Cultural Heritage" during ADIHEX.
- Significant participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
2024
Organisation of the first edition of the Emirati- Japanese Falconry Program in the Remah area of Al Ain.
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- Organisation of the twenty-first edition of ADIHEX.
- Re-publication of Al Saggar magazine in a special edition comprising 25 diverse sections featuring 86 heritage, cultural, scientific, and environmental articles.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on joint cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
- Launch of the ninth season of the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School.
- The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Museum of International Falconry in Brussels begins welcoming visitors.
- Commencement of preparations for establishing the Hamdan bin Zayed International Falconry Library, the first of its kind in the Arab world and globally.
- Launch of a new website for the Emirates Falconers' Club.
- Participation in AERUS 2024 at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, with the aim of supporting efforts to prepare a new generation that preserves its heritage through smart technologies.
- Participation in the second edition of the Early Childhood Development Exhibition at Umm Al Emarat Park.
- Active participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival..
- Celebration of World Falconry Day and the growing global reach of falconry, thanks to the efforts initiated and led by the UAE.
- Participation in the celebrations of the UAE's 53rd National Day, in cooperation with a number of ministries and schools.
- Under the UAE's presidency, the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey witnessed significant growth in its projects and achievements. Its membership grew to include 150 institutions, associations, and clubs from 90 countries, where more than 100,000 falconers practice the sport.
2025
The second edition of the Emirati -Japanese Falconry Program was held in the city of Ichihara, Japan.
View allView less 2025
- The ninth educational falconry season at the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School attracts the highest number of student trainees in the School's history.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), comprising 1,900 members across 86 countries, aimed at promoting the sustainable management of wildlife and natural resources.
- Participation in the General Assembly meetings of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) in Doha.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, within the framework of the celebration of UAE Children's Day, under the motto "The Right to National Identity and Culture."
- Participation in the fourth edition of the "Make It in the Emirates" Exhibition, which brings together innovators, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of industry and promote growth.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the British Archives of Falconry.
- Organisation of the twenty-second edition of ADIHEX.
- Organisation of a range of educational and recreational activities for children at the Club's pavilion at ADIHEX, including the "Little Veterinary" and the "Guardians of Falconry" passport.
- Publication of a new bilingual (Arabic-English) issue of Al Saggar magazine comprising 34 diverse sections and featuring more than 100 heritage, cultural, scientific, and environmental articles.
- Organisation of the nineteenth edition of the Arabian Saluki Beauty Competition within ADIHEX.
- Active participation in the S’hail–Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition in Doha.
- The Emirates Falconers' Club enriches the inaugural edition of the Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025 with a rich heritage experience.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Roscongress Foundation, the official organiser of the International Falconry Day Forum.
- Participation in "Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week" and the Asia-Pacific Robot Championships, in cooperation with Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
- Participation in the 2025 Al Nalia Mobile Exhibition, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education across several emirates, as part of efforts to strengthen national identity.
2026
Organization of the third edition of the Emirati -Japanese Falconry Program in the Remah area of Al Ain.
View allView less 2026
- Active participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
- Launch of a seasonal branch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School at the Sheikh Zayed Festival through a comprehensive educational platform.
- Commencement of work on establishing the Arabian Saluki Registration Centre in Al Ain, with the aim of developing a comprehensive Arabian Saluki database and an integrated electronic system.
- Participation in the Al Nalia Exhibition 2026 at the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education, within the framework of strengthening Emirati national identity.
- The tenth educational season at the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School achieved outstanding success.
- Organisation of the twenty-third edition of ADIHEX.
- Launch of the book 25 Years Following the First Falconer's Legacy, on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Emirates Falconers' Club.
- Publication of a new bilingual (Arabic-English) issue of Al Saggar magazine comprising 38 diverse sections and featuring 108 heritage, cultural, scientific, and environmental articles.
- Organisation of the twentieth edition of the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest.
- Organisation of the Arabian Saluki Race and Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest in Al Dhafra Region.
- Organisation of the Arabian Saluki Race in Al Ain City