ADIHEX Launches ‘Most Beautiful Falcon Stand’ Competition

ABU DHABI: As part of its efforts to support and encourage craftsmen, inventors, and companies specialised in the manufacture of falconry tools and equipment, ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition) announced the launch of the ‘The Most Beautiful and Best Traditional Falcon Stand’ competition for the first time in its history, due to the historical symbolism and authentic heritage value that the falcon represents.

The twentieth edition of ADIHEX will be organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club from August 23 to 29, officially sponsored by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) where the event takes place. Whereas the sector partner is Caracal International LLC, and the industry partners include the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair, and Game Fair – France, in addition to the official automotive partner ARB Emirates.

The jury consists of experts specialised in falconry and its equipment as well as members of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. Whereas the evaluation depends mainly on the extent of efficiency and usefulness of the stand, so that the falcon feels comfortable. It also considers the overall beautiful appearance of the stand, the quality of the materials of which it is made, the appropriate price, as well as the aesthetic image in respect of the heritage prospect. Participation is limited to manufacturers of handmade falcon stands.

The falcon stand is considered one of the most important tools for falconry, it is made of wood or metal in a cylindrical shape with a wide flat surface at its end. For comfort, it is covered in leather, felt, carpet, or artificial grass. Additionally, at the bottom of the pole, a nail is hammered into the sand or soil to secure it and ensure that the falcon stands on it comfortably and steadily for a long period of time.

Today, there are many forms and shapes of the falcon stand and its manufacturing materials. However, the traditional wooden stand still has a unique special aesthetic that expresses the original legacy of falconry and falcon breeding.

Raising awareness of the value of falconry as a common human art and heritage, the importance of preserving and promoting it, and defining sustainable hunting, has been and still is a priority for the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition since its first edition in 2003, in addition to exchanging knowledge and experiences and strengthening relations between local and international companies, thus contributing to supporting efforts to preserve the sport of falconry, inherit the sports of parents and grandparents, and provide the best innovations in the world of hunting.

In the last edition (ADIHEX 2022), the falconry sector witnessed an unprecedented and record-breaking participation of more than 60 exhibitors who presented various traditional and technical falconry tools and equipment, as well as the best goods produced by captive-bred falcon farms. This is among more than 900 companies and brands from 58 countries that participated in the 11 sectors of the exhibition.