New UAE-inspired trophies unveiled at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

New Formula One trophies inspired by the “speed, grace and beauty” of the UAE’s national bird have been unveiled ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The design for the first, second, third place and Constructors’ Championship trophies features a saqr falcon.

Initially devised in-house at race sponsors Adnoc (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company), the trophies were designed by Richard Fox, a world famous London-based silversmith behind more than 600 trophies in the sport.

"Some designs are really difficult to get out, but this one just flowed. It flew, if you like,” said Mr Fox.

“I have spoken to people who think it is the best trophy this year, if not forever. I’m so pleased with it, I’m overjoyed.”

Alex Brown, vice president of brand management at Adnoc, which is sponsoring the event for the first time this year, said saqrs are powerful and precise, making the bird a perfect symbol for a Formula One trophy.

“We are proud to have redesigned the Abu Dhabi GP trophies,” he said.

“The original trophy hadn’t fundamentally changed in the last 10 years. And we felt there was an opportunity to pay tribute to the UAE’s national bird, which also obviously happens to be part our corporate identity,” said Mr Brown.

After settling on the concept, Adnoc then handed over the reins to Mr Fox, who took his inspiration from the movement of the saqr in flight.

“My idea was a bird diving. It’s an abstraction, if you like, of the falcon. It’s diving down at great speed and then that’s surrounded by a vortex of wings, or just air. It’s graceful, powerful and has a great impact,” said Mr Fox.

Mr Fox designed his first Formula One trophy in 1984 at the request of Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One group. He also designs the Bahrain, Baku, Belgium race trophies, as well as the end of season Drivers’ Championship.

“Being given the opportunity to have a free hand with this commission I think has allowed me to create one of the best designs I have ever made, if I can say that,” said Mr Fox, who owns Fox Silver.

Saqr is both the Arabic word for falcon and one of the two main species used for hunting in the UAE. The female saqr is larger and more powerful than the male and therefore preferred by hunters.

The birds used to be used for the hunting season before being set free again, but now they are now largely bred and kept in captivity.

In the 1940s, a falcon could be bought for just $30. By the 1960s, the price had increased to around $600. Now, they can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. The average bird fetches between Dh18,000 and Dh55,000, but some are sold for more than Dh500,000.

Graduated from the American University of Sharjah

She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters

Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks

Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding

 

Test series fixtures

(All matches start at 2pm UAE)

1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday

2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18

3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31

4th Test Manchester from August 4-8

HOW TO WATCH

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  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
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Results

2pm: Handicap Dh 90,000 1,800m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).

2.30pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,950m; Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.

3pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

3.30pm: Jebel Ali Classic Conditions Dh300,000 1,400m; Winner: Thegreatcollection, Adrie de Vries, Doug Watson.

4pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Oktalgano, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4.30pm: Conditions Dh250,000 1,400m; Winner: Madame Ellingtina, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

5pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Mystery Land, Fabrice Veron, Helal Al Alawi.

5.30pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,000m; Winner: Shanaghai City, Jesus Rosales, Rashed Bouresly.

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km

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The BIO

Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.

Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.

Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.

Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PROFILE BOX

Company name: Overwrite.ai

Founder: Ayman Alashkar

Started: Established in 2020

Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai

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