News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The prestigious Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) has announced the launch of the second edition of the “Most Beautiful Falcon Hood” competition, a remarkable event that garnered international attention during its inaugural run last year. The competition, introduced for the first time in ADIHEX’s history, not only drew participants from 15 countries but also played a pivotal role in educating Abu Dhabi’s students about the historical and cultural significance of the falcon hood.
With the Emirates Falconers’ Club at the helm, the twentieth edition of ADIHEX is scheduled to take place from August 23 to August 29, 2023, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). The event enjoys the official sponsorship of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and ADNEC. Caracal International LLC serves as the sector partner, while 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. ARB Emirates has been designated as the official automotive partner.
The competition, which celebrates the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of falconry, attracted 32 skilled craftsmen from around the world in its debut year. Participants hailed from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Taiwan, Mexico, Peru, and Chile.
The panel of judges, composed of experts specializing in falconry and its equipment, along with members of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, will evaluate the competing falcon hoods based on criteria such as efficiency, comfort for the falcon, aesthetics, material quality, price, and adherence to heritage values. The falcon hood, or “burqa,” is a critical tool in the training of falcons for hunting. It covers the falcon’s entire head, preventing it from seeing, with a small opening for its beak. Typically crafted from soft leather, these hoods come in various shapes and colors, serving to prevent premature leaps and offering much-needed rest for the falcon by blocking light from its eyes.
In the previous edition of ADIHEX in 2022, “Atelier Falconoid” from Japan secured the first place, followed by “Orton HSI” from Taiwan in second place, and the UAE’s own Afra Mohamed Al Dhaheri in third place.
The “Most Beautiful Falcon Hood” competition not only showcases the artistry of falconry equipment makers but also underscores the deep cultural connection between falconry and the UAE’s heritage. As the competition gears up for its second edition, enthusiasts and craftsmen alike are eager to see which falcon hood will be crowned the most beautiful and best in 2023.
