Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Liwa International Festival (LIWA 2025), currently underway at the iconic Tal Moreeb – the UAE’s tallest dune – in Al Dhafra region, is celebrating the Emirates' falconry traditions with a contest running until December 26.
The falcon racing, which commenced on Tuesday, showcases falconers guiding their birds, demonstrating precision and speed in catching the prey. The challenge blends traditional skills with advanced technology.
Khaled Al Saadi, the Media Center Director at the Liwa Club, said the turnout was large.
“We had 200 participants on the first day of the falcon racing. There has been a large turnout this year. As for the prizes, they include huge cash rewards, luxury cars, and golden commemorative medals,” he said.
Abdullah Rashid Al Mansouri, one of the falconers who took third place on day one, emphasised that the Liwa Festival is a unique opportunity for falconers to showcase their skills.
“I’ve been a falconer for four years, and I continue to pursue this sport. I have participated in three competitions, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Liwa,” he said.
The use of advanced technology has been increasing in recent years.
Waleed Amen, one of the organisers of the event, said: “We are using advanced technology such as GPS tracking devices and slow-motion cameras to record and analyse the speed of the falcons’ performance.
These technologies help make the race more accurate and objective and provide a greater opportunity for the audience to interact with the event.”
Thousands of falconry enthusiasts from the UAE and abroad follow these events. Falcon racing is one of the main attractions that sets the Liwa Festival apart from other festivals in the UAE, showcasing Emiratis’ affinity for nature and preserving traditions.
Taking place from December 13, 2024 to January 4, 2025, Liwa International Festival 2025 features motorsports, including racing, drifting and dune bashing, alongside traditional sports, live entertainment, family fun and cultural moments.
