ADIHEX Falcon Beauty Contest celebrates excellence with two winning falcons from AD Falcons

emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) hosted its annual Falcon Beauty Contest on the fifth day of the event at the Arena, showcasing some of the finest falcons in the exhibition. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the contest drew falconry enthusiasts from around the globe.

The competition featured 10 falcons, highlighting the UAE’s deep cultural connection to falconry, a symbol of tradition, pride, and strength. Two main categories were judged: Most Beautiful Saker and Most Beautiful Gyr. Falcons were evaluated on a range of criteria, such as weight, body measurements, feather symmetry, color, head and body details, overall appearance, and health.

This year's contest saw an impressive improvement in the quality and variety of the falcons, reflecting ADIHEX's dedication to raising falconry standards. Young falcons under one year old competed, mesmerizing the audience with their elegance and poise. A panel of expert judges, both local and international, assessed the falcons. The competition has gained a global reputation, drawing participants from prestigious falcon farms worldwide and earning respect from regional and international heritage and conservation organizations. This event also encourages falconers to protect wild falcons.

In the Most Beautiful Gyr category, the falcon Eliasat, owned by AD Falcons, took first place, impressing the judges with its striking features, vibrant plumage, and flawless appearance. AD Falcons also secured second and third places in this category.

In the Most Beautiful Saker category, Gelmod, another falcon owned by AD Falcons, won both first and second place, with third place shared between AD Falcons and Al Sharagha Falcon, highlighting their birds’ exceptional grace, strength, and meticulous training. This remarkable showing solidified AD Falcons' position as a leader in the falconry world.

The Falcon Beauty Contest at ADIHEX remains a key event in promoting and celebrating the art of falconry, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global leader in preserving this ancient tradition. ADIHEX, organized by the ADNEC Group, is the region’s largest exhibition focused on the heritage and culture of hunting, equestrianism, and outdoor sports. The exhibition draws participants and visitors from across the world, providing a platform for education, cultural exchange, and trade.