Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition launches 'Most Beautiful Falcon Stand' competition

ABU DHABI, 3rd May, 2023 (WAM) -- As part of its efforts to support and encourage craftsmen, inventors, and companies specialising in manufacturing falconry tools and equipment, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announced the launching 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 20th edition of ADIHEX will be organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club from 23rd to 29th August, 2023, officially sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) where the event takes place. The sector partner is Caracal International LLC, and the industry partners include the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, the European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair and Game Fair – France, in addition to the official automotive partner ARB Emirates.
The jury comprises experts specialising in falconry and its equipment and Emirates Falconers’ Club members. 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 used, the appropriate price, and 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 essential tools for falconry. It is made of wood or metal in a cylindrical shape with a wide flat surface at its end. It is covered in leather, felt, carpet, or artificial grass for comfort. 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 long periods.
Today, there are many forms and shapes of the falcon stand and its manufacturing materials. However, the traditional wooden stand still has unique special aesthetics that express 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 ADIHEX since its inception in 2003. This is in addition to exchanging knowledge and experiences and strengthening relations between domestic 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 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 falcons farms. This is among more than 900 companies and brands from 58 countries that participated in the 11 sectors of the exhibition.