Ahmed bin Mohammed directs the holding of the third edition of the International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing Cup

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the International Federation for Falcon Sports and Racing, and President of the Emirates Falcon Federation, the third edition of the International Federation for Falcon Sports and Racing Cup 400 meters, “Masters Races”, will be held on February 14, in Lahbab Square, affiliated with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center in the Emirate of Dubai.
The tournament witnesses wide international participation, including 27 teams from 25 countries, competing in four diverse rounds, reflecting the global dimension of the tournament and its growing position on the map of traditional competitive sports.
The holding of the third edition of the Cup follows the cooperation agreement signed by the Emirates Falcons Federation last month with the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Masters Games – Abu Dhabi 2026, within the framework of strengthening cooperation within the preparations for hosting the global event in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi during the period from 6 to 15 February 2026, with the participation of more than 25 thousand athletes competing in 37 sports categories over the course of ten days. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General. For the Emirates Falcons Federation, and His Excellency Arif Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing succeeded in consolidating the global dimension and institutional competition of the championship, by transforming the cup into an annual platform that brings together federations and national teams from various countries of the world, in a way that embodies the unity of falconers under the umbrella of the International Federation, and confirms the development of falconry from its local framework to its international horizons.
The first edition of the International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing Cup in 2023 witnessed the Qatari Al Gannas Association team winning first place and the cup title, while the Emirates Falcons Federation came in second place, and the Popular Heritage Sports Committee in the Kingdom of Bahrain came in third place. In the second edition in 2024, the Emirates Falcons Federation team won first place, the Qatari Al Gannas Association came second, while the team of the Popular Heritage Sports Committee in the Kingdom of Bahrain came third.
For his part, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing, and Vice President of the Emirates Falcons Federation, stressed the importance of investing in major sporting events to promote the sport of fathers and grandfathers, whether inside or outside the UAE, pointing out that holding the International Federation Cup for Falcon Sports and Racing this year carries exceptional dimensions due to its coincidence with the organization of the Masters Games – Abu Dhabi 2026, which is witnessing more participation. From 25 thousand athletes from different countries of the world.
He added: “We are proud to include falconry within the sports program of the Masters Games – Abu Dhabi 2026, after it has transformed, thanks to the support of our wise leadership, from the scope of hobby to international, and a number of its championships have received recognition from the International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing,” expressing his great confidence in the ability of the organizing committee of the Masters Games to present the event in the best possible way on the land of the Emirates, stressing that the Games are the largest international multi-sport event for community participation in the world, due to the messages they carry. Encourages exercise, with a special focus on older age groups and senior athletes.
In turn, the Secretary-General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconry Federation, Rashid bin Markhan, explained that the sustainable development approach adopted by the International Federation stems from the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the follow-up of His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, with the aim of making falconry an effective component on the international sports map.
He also pointed out that these efforts contribute to providing unique sports events with added value to successive generations, by strengthening their connection to their roots and historical identity with a competitive sporting character, in addition to the importance of strengthening communication with the institutions and authorities concerned with organizing international sports events, based on the role of the Emirates Falcons Federation and its societal responsibility in spreading the culture of practicing falconry and introducing its inherent values ​​locally and internationally.
He expressed his pride in the inclusion of falconry in the Masters Games programme, which has succeeded since 1985 in bringing together hundreds of thousands of participants from all over the world, stressing that the inclusion of this sport in the event reflects its value and international status, especially since the International Masters Games Association is a global body recognized by the International Olympic Committee. He added: “We are proud of this ambitious partnership that serves the sport of falcons, elevates it to broader horizons, and documents the results of its winners within a high-level global sporting forum, which meets It includes athletes from different countries.”
For his part, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arif Hamad Al Awani, confirmed that holding the third edition of the International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing Cup “Masters Races” on February 14th represents an important milestone in the process of developing falconry sports and enhancing its presence on the international arena, indicating that this event comes as a result of cooperation with the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Masters Games – Abu Dhabi 2026, and reflects the growing position of the UAE as a global center for sports. Heritage.

Al-Awani added that the Masters Games contribute to connecting generations with the authentic sporting heritage, and support sustainability and competitiveness efforts, in addition to their role in promoting Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for hosting international sporting events, with the participation of an elite group of athletes from various countries of the world. He expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone, and for all the efforts made to make this anticipated global event a success, stressing that this cooperation and joint work reflects the spirit of one team and the keenness to highlight heritage sporting events in the best way befitting their status and importance in the country. Emirates.