Falcons will be back at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition this year for the most beautiful bird pageant.
The October 2 contest will draw falcons and their owners from around the world to compete for the title of "most beautiful captive-bred falcon".
Competition will be fierce across the three main categories: most beautiful saker; most beautiful gyr; and most beautiful gyr peregrine. Birds are assessed on several criteria, such as weight and body measurements; symmetry and colour of the feathers; the details of the head, body and legs; the general aesthetic appearance; and health and absence of disease.
Majid Al Mansouri, chairman of the Adihex higher organising committee and secretary general of the Emirates Falconers Club, said Abu Dhabi was a leader in safeguarding cultural heritage, conserving wildlife and protecting the environment.
"Adihex was the first to launch this unique event in the world, and through it, the idea of this contest was transferred to many countries," Mr Mansouri said.
The hunting of wild animals, including falcons, was banned in the UAE in 1978, but illegal smuggling of birds stolen from the wild is a global problem. Since then the UAE has sought to conserve wildlife and protect falcons in the wild with programmes that promote captive-bred falcons.
UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. launched programmes to breed the species in captivity.
The President, Sheikh Mohamed, launched the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund to support initiatives protecting endangered birds of prey globally, falcons and other species.
Adihex runs in Abu Dhabi from September 26 to October 2.
The UAE's sustainability projects - in pictures
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The UAE is known for protecting the environment. Here Environment Agency Abu Dhabi staff release a tagged flamingo as part of Abu Dhabi Birdathon initiative. Courtesy Environment Agency Abu Dhabi -
Umbrella Thorn Acacia trees are among the UAE's rich flora. Silvia Razgova / The National -
Abu Dhabi has the second-largest dugong population in the world. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi -
Love of nature is part of life here. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with a sea turtles he helped release into the wild. Instagram/ @faz3 -
Abu Dhabi's environment agency is working to protect Hawksbill and Green turtles which live in the emirate's waters. Courtesy TDIC -
A cheetah at Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain. The zoo was founded by the Late President, Sheikh Zayed. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE is also embracing clean energy. This computer-generated image shows what phase four of Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park, currently under construction in Dubai. Image courtesy of Acwa Power -
Nuclear energy is also important. The first reactor at Barakah nuclear plant reached 100 per cent power in December 2020. -
Abu Dhabi's new Midfield Terminal has won a coveted three-pearl rating under Abu Dhabi's Estidama, Arabic for sustainability, system. Courtesy KPF -
A breeding programme run by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi helped bring Arabian Oryx back from the brink of extinction. Courtesy: EAD
