Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Lifelike falcons encased in glass are among the star attractions at the inaugural Al Ain International Hunting and Exhibition (AAIHEX), where heritage and craftsmanship meet.
These birds of prey appear frozen in time - some with wings half-spread, eyes gleaming - standing as eternal symbols of the UAE's deep bond with its most revered bird.
Emirati entrepreneur Hussein Ashour, who owns a falcon mummification business, brought them to the exhibition, showcasing his lifelong connection with the birds through a unique practice of preservation.
To him, it was a tribute - a way to keep his falcons' memory alive and honour a significant part of Emirati heritage. "For me, this means a lot. It is personal and it is about keeping something precious - something that carries stories and memories," he told Aletihad.
Ashour carefully restores and preserves falcons after they pass away, a practice rooted in both artistry and emotional devotion.
The process is not easy, he said, as the necessary materials are delicate and often hard to find. "Some of the preservation chemicals are restricted and require special approvals."
"It is not a simple craft, it takes patience, precision, and respect for the bird," he added.
As a falconer, Ashour is an expert on how the birds make their nests, so he meticulously recreates them, too. Describing the process, he said, "When rain falls, the sand takes shape. We collect the firm sand and mould it at home into the design we want. Once it hardens, it becomes like stone. I use it to recreate the falcon's nest and natural habitat, just as they live in the wild."
This touch of home reflected the sincerity that Ashour puts into his craft. "I wanted people to see [these nests], and I wanted them to look lifelike to show how the bird truly lived."
How It All Began
Ashour's passion for falcons began in childhood and deepened through his years as a falconer. "Falcons have become part of the family or like a friend," he said with a smile.
"They understand you, and you understand them." Falconry has long been a noble tradition in the UAE, one that instils patience, strength, and humility.
"Falconry brings people together. In the old days, there were no differences between ranks or titles. Everyone sat together, shared food from one plate. It taught equality and companionship, values we still live by," Ashour said.
Every falcon he preserves carries stories he holds dear. They may have passed away, but looking at them in a lifelike state brings back precious memories. Ashour feels proud to still have them with him, he said.
His deep respect for falcons mirrors the national love for these birds, a passion long championed by the UAE's leadership, who have elevated falconry into a symbol of pride and cultural identity, Ashour said.
As he presented his work at AAIHEX, visitors gathered around, admiring the precision and emotion in each detail - the feathers, the stance, the lifelike expression.
