Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
For the sixth consecutive year, the Liwa International Festival showcased the Pigeon Hunting Championship on December 17 and 18.
This thrilling competition saw falconers relying on their birds' speed and keen eyesight to locate and dive for prey, highlighting one of the region's oldest and most revered traditional sports.
The Pigeon Hunt Competition has become a major attraction at the festival, drawing both seasoned professionals and enthusiasts.
Teams of falconers and their birds of prey engage in exciting challenges that demonstrate the precision and skill of Emirati hunters.
This year's event was not only a test of the birds' proficiency but also of the falconers' ability to control their birds and harmonise with the environment.
The competition took place in a specially designed desert setting, providing a true challenge for all participants.
Walid, a staff member from the Liwa Village Organising Department, said, "The competition isn't just about the efficiency of the birds of prey used; it also includes the falconers' skills in controlling the birds and their ability to adapt to the environment. The competition is held in a desert setting that presents a real challenge for all participants."
He added, "The competition took place over several days of the festival, with participants divided into teams based on their experience levels. On the first day, a qualifying round is held to showcase the falconers' skills in direction-finding and chasing escaping pigeons. On the following day, the competition intensified, reaching its final stages, where participants competed in training and leading their falcons to deliver exceptional performances."
The 2024 Liwa Festival, which kicked off in Al Dhafra Region, blends tradition and modernity in a unique way.
This year's festival is notable for its diverse range of activities and events.
Among the highlights are an exhibition of handmade crafts and heritage items, showcasing the skill of Emirati artisans, as well as performances of traditional dance and games.
As a prominent annual event, the Liwa Festival serves as a platform to celebrate the rich history and culture of the UAE.
It attracts visitors from both within the country and abroad, offering a variety of recreational and sporting activities that reflect the true spirit of Emirati heritage.
